Barbara Pinckney Paullus' Obituary
Barbara Carolyn Ann Pinckney (Seeligman) went to be with her Lord December 17, 2023 after living a life full of love surrounded by cherished family, friends and music.
Born to parents Achilles Otto Seeligman and Frances Barbara James Pinckney in 1932, Barbara enjoyed a full life mostly in Tennessee. After graduating valedictorian of her Tiptonville High School class, Barbara attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and earned two degrees in music education—one from Stephens College in Missouri and another with distinction from Murray State College. She met her husband Robert B. Paullus at First Tennessee Bank in 1951 and married 3 years later acknowledging the attraction was credited to Robert being, "thoughtful and genuinely nice." Together they had one son, Robert Benson Paullus, Jr. who preceded her in death in 2015.
Barbara leaves behind four adoring grandchildren, Ben Paullus of Memphis; Kelly Paullus of Brandon, Mississippi; Sarah Paullus Miley (spouse of Nathan) of Jackson, Mississippi; and Caleb Paullus of Birmingham, Alabama. She was also able to meet her precious great-granddaughter and namesake, Eleanor Ann Miley. Of “Granny” the grandchildren note her faithfulness, her passion for music, her sharp mind, and her love for family. She was an example of a steadfast Christian, being a loyal member of First Evangelical Church for over 50 years. She identified her favorite book as the Bible, she acknowledged her comfort in hard times came from the belief that, “No matter what happens, God is in control,” and she gave the “recipe for happiness” as “thinking of others first.” Her family grieves their earthly loss, but they can find peace knowing the music she now hears is that of perfection in the presence of a perfect, holy, and loving God.
The family will celebrate the life of Barbara with relatives and friends Saturday, December 23 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 with a service at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Barbara to First Evangelical Church.
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