Barbara Payne Sosebee: Obituary

Obituaries

Barbara Payne Sosebee, age 75 of Epworth, passed away on November 12, 2019. Barbara was born on September 16, 1944, in Copperhill, Tennessee to the late Howard T. Payne, Sr. and Evelyn Dunn Payne. She was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church.

Barbara was the second oldest of four children in a home of three sisters and a baby brother. Born in the midst of WWII, it was during her childhood and teenage years that she developed her enduring spirit and love and respect for the importance of family. She graduated from West Fannin High School in 1961 and in the same year married the love of her life, Robert Sosebee. Both having been born and raised in Fannin County, Robert and Barbara returned to Fannin County permanently after Robert graduated college. They made their home in Epworth and lived their lives together while raising their three children, Bob, Mike and Alison. Working since graduation from West Fannin, Barbara eventually took a position with the “Copper Company” in Copperhill and became a Benefits Administrator. She was known not only for her work ethic but for her compassion with those she assisted in her employment.

Family was Barbara’s passion and delight. Even as a full-time working mother, she always ensured she made time for her family whether it was baseball, basketball and football practices and games; ballet and piano lessons and recitals; or anything else in the world her children and grandchildren showed an interest in. She kept a home that was meticulously cared for, worked in the garden, canned every summer and made sure that home-cooked meals were served no later than six o’clock each evening for family dinners. Barbara was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family, most especially over the holidays. There were always leftovers a plenty with the rule being “it is always better to have too much than not enough.” After retiring, and indulging her love for travel, Robert and Barbara took many trips, had many wonderful adventures and without fail went each and every year to Wyoming for the summer and fall seasons. Most of all, retirement gave her the opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren.

A true Southern lady and a classic beauty, Barbara leaves a legacy of integrity, patience and faithfulness in God. In the midst of all of the family dinners; the birthday and holiday celebrations; the pick-ups and drop-offs; the traveling to and from; the wiping of tears and hugs of joy; the everyday conversations and the serious ones; Barbara in her own, gentle way, set an example to her loved ones of the importance in having an open heart; the willingness to speak a kind word; the ability to distinguish between those things to let go and those things to hold dear; and, most importantly, the understanding to always trust in the will of God. The love, support and unconditional acceptance Barbara gave her family is immeasurable and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Robert L. Sosebee, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law Robert L. Sosebee, Jr. and Cindy Prillaman Hall Sosebee of Epworth; son and daughter-in-law Michael Lynn Sosebee and Tracy Frances Sosebee of Blue Ridge; and daughter Barbara Alison Sosebee of McCaysville. Siblings include Carol Jean Fager of Sarasota, Florida; Dinah (Lamar) Paris of Blairsville, Georgia; and Howard T. Payne, Jr. of Sarasota, Florida. Grandchildren include Robert Christopher Sosebee, Joshua Holden Sosebee, Madison Michaela Hall, Brittani (Kendall) Peters, Michael Dakota Sosebee, McGwire Peyton Sosebee, Sarah Bethany Sosebee, Hannah McKenna Sosebee, Hallie Marie Sosebee, Nathaniel Lee Maloof and Grahym Sosebee Maloof. Great Grandchildren include Lynnox Lee Peters as well as many other special family members. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Barbara and give their greatest and warmest gratitude.

For those who have known Barbara, funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 2:00 o’clock p.m. at Lebanon Baptist Church with Rev. Rubin Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Charlie Wellham officiating. Pallbearers include Robert Christopher Sosebee, Joshua Holden Sosebee, Michael Dakota Sosebee, McGwire Peyton Sosebee, Nathaniel Lee Maloof and Grahym Sosebee Maloof. Honorary Pallbearers include the Deacons, Lebanon Baptist Church; WMU, Lebanon Baptist Church; Mike Galloway’s Sunday School Class, Lebanon Baptist Church; Claude and Kathi Mathis; James Howard Galloway; Jimmy and Ann Cheatham; David and Jo McClendon; Aubrey and Pat Thomas; Wesley and Geraldine Payne; Larry and Brenda Payne; Catherine Dunn; Charles and Judy Dunn; Arlene Patterson; Larry Goss; Ronnie and Barbara Kimsey; Terry and Julie Arp; Thomas and Judy Graham; Chuck and Kay Thomas; Darrell and Kim Moore; and Stacy and April Galloway.

The family will receive friends at the Akins Funeral Home in Blue Ridge Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 4:00 o’clock p.m. until 9:00 o’clock p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to the Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. Any memorial donations may be sent to the Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 845 Lebanon Road, Epworth, Georgia 30541. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to Top