Kathy Jo Tate Barnes

Kathy Jo (Tate) Barnes, 56, of White House, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, surrounded by her family at Sumner Regional Medical Center—the same place where her story began on April 3, 1969.

Kathy’s life was one marked by love, grace, and an unshakable faith. In August of 1969, she was placed in the loving foster care of Larry and Carolyn Tate. Just a few months later, in January 1970, they began the process to make her a permanent part of their family, officially adopting her the following month. From then on, Kathy was raised in White House, where she attended school and began forming the deep, lifelong bonds with friends and neighbors that she cherished.

Kathy dedicated her life to her family. She had a heart that never stopped giving and a nurturing spirit that made everyone feel at home. She was a devoted wife, a proud and loving mother, a cherished daughter, a supportive sister, and a true friend to many. Whether it was offering a listening ear, sharing her contagious laugh, or simply being there when you needed her—Kathy had a way of making people feel seen and loved.

She was a faithful member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshiped, served, and found joy in her community.

Kathy leaves behind the love of her life, her husband of 31 years, Lloyd Odell Barnes, and their three children: Dustin Barnes, Miranda Graves, and Casey Barnes. She was a proud grandmother to Kenley Graves, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her loving parents, Larry and Carolyn Tate, her sisters Vickie and Lori, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

A Celebration of Kathy's Life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. from the Concord Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Morris Watson officiating. Interment will follow at Old Halltown Cemetery on Hollis Chapel Road in Portland, Tennessee. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. and on Monday from 11:00 A.M. until time of service. All visitation will be held at Concord Missionary Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kathy’s memory to Concord Missionary Baptist Church, a place that meant so much to her and where her faith was nurtured.

Kathy will be remembered for her big heart, her steadfast faith, and the way she loved without limits. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know her.