Barbara Coleman McClanahan's Obituary
Barbara Coleman McClanahan passed away peacefully September 11, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, March 21, 1931, to Claude and Susie Coleman. Barbara graduated from Chattanooga High School and attended Tennessee Wesleyan College for two years before transferring to Rollins College. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority at Rollins and had fond memories of her time there. From Rollins, she moved to Miami, Florida, where she worked for Eastern Airlines for several years before returning to Chattanooga. She was presented in the Chattanooga Cotton Ball two years in a row. She married Earl B. McClanahan, Jr. of Nashville. They resided in Nashville until moving to Memphis where she enjoyed being a homemaker and mother of three. Barbara had a successful real estate career in the Memphis area where she was a realtor for Crye-Leike and attained lifetime membership in the Multi Million Dollar sales group. Outside of real estate she was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, a sustainer in the Le Bonheur Club and a member of the Friends of the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. She was blessed with seven grandchildren. Barbara was an avid bridge player up until her death and the only thing she loved more was spending time with her grandchildren. Her loving spirit will remain in our hearts forever. She was the best mother, wife, and grandmother anyone could ever ask for.
Barbara is survived by her son Earl McClanahan (Susan), daughters Jean Larkin (Ed) and Susan Barcroft (Paul), her grandchildren Caroline, Maggie, and Sarah McClanahan, Ivy Miler (Conry), Ella Larkin, and Lilly and Mac Barcroft. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl B. McClanahan Jr.
A celebration of her life will be Saturday, September 17th at Memorial Park Funeral Home located at 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119. Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2:00 pm followed by a service and graveside burial.
The family requests that memorials be sent to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis, Tennessee.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?