Barbara Manning Carmody Obituary (1932 – 2022) – Knoxville, TN

Barbara Jeanne Manning Carmody
March 26, 2022
Knoxville, Tennessee – Barbara J. Carmody passed away on March 26, 2022, in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. She was born on August 28, 1932, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the daughter of the late Velma and Robert Startzman. A private graveside service was held in Knoxville on April 1.
On June 20, 1954, Barbara married Roy E. Manning who preceded her in death. On October 2, 1993, she married George A. Carmody who survives her.
Barbara lived her growing up years in Ansonia, Ohio. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a pharmacist. Some of Barbara’s fondest childhood memories were working alongside her dad in his drugstore helping at the soda fountain and assisting him in making hand lotion. Barbara graduated as valedictorian from Ansonia High School in 1950 and from Ohio State University in 1954 majoring in marketing. After college, she began working at the Ohio Bell Company in Columbus, Ohio, as a service representative instructor and later in the recruiting of that position.
Barbara lived 24 years in Chillicothe, Ohio, where she was active in the First Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder. She also was a board member for the local Salvation Army. In 1980, Barbara returned to Ohio State University where she obtained her real estate license and worked in that capacity for several years. She then relocated to Columbus, Ohio. While in Columbus, Barbara was active in the Worthington Presbyterian Church serving on the Session. She was a docent for the Columbus Museum of Art and enjoyed competing in various dance competitions.
In 2000, Barbara moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. She was active at Providence Presbyterian Church and then later at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Barbara was a member of P.E.O. Chapter X on the island. She was a competitive bridge player and competed in various bridge tournaments at Hilton Head.
Barbara loved people and people loved her. Her expressive countenance, beautiful smile, and effervescent personality drew others to her. She lived her faith. Whether it was making a casserole to welcome someone new in the neighborhood, being sensitive to others in difficult situations, or inviting someone who was alone to a family holiday gathering, she was always thinking of others. Barbara made friends easily and cherished the many friendships she had.
Above all, Barbara valued her family. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who loved and supported her children and grandchildren. Her intelligence, strength, and determination were attributes her family admired. She loved gathering her family for Thanksgiving dinners at Hilton Head as well as at other times and was a fantastic cook. One of the highlights in recent months was being able to attend the wedding of her granddaughter Meredith in Tennessee.
During times that were both joyous as well as difficult, the one constant was Barbara’s faith in God. She clung tightly to this faith, and it brought her much comfort in her final days.
Some of you have shared with us that our mother and grandmother exhibited grace and dignity in handling her health issues. She had a difficult journey, and we are thankful for those of you who showed her much love and support during that time.
Barbara is survived by daughter Kathy Manning of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; son David Manning (Catherine) of Farragut, Tennessee; granddaughter Meredith Manning Fritz (Tucker) of Lenoir City, Tennessee/Washington DC; and grandson Deacon Manning of Knoxville, Tennessee. She also is survived by George A. Carmody of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and his eight children: Patricia Carmody, Martin Carmody, Kathleen Williams, Regina Prange, Thomas Carmody, Nancy Kuhel, Susan Holcomb, and Brian Carmody and their families.
The family would like to thank Smoky Mountain Hospice for their loving care of our mother and grandmother during her final months with special thanks to Melanie and Nathan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara’s name to the Salvation Army, an organization that was near and dear to her heart.
Our mother and grandmother lived a full and rich life and for that we are grateful. We will miss her immensely, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of God.