Barbara Jean Dale

October 8, 1928 – June 29, 2025

Barbara Jean Dale (nee Osburn), 96 yrs old, passed away surrounded by loved ones at her home in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Born in Dalhart, Texas, to Audrie Belle Morris Osburn and Lewis Lenn Osburn in Dalhart, Texas, Barbara was a girl scout and scout leader before graduating from high School. She attended one year of college before an early marriage drew her away. At this time she flew small aircraft, camped, rode horses, wrangled cattle, and eventually became a civil service employee working at Amarillo Airforce Base in Texas and later an accountant for the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) in Fort Worth, Texas. After a 30+ year career in civil service, Barbara retired in the late 80’s from a GS-11 position in the FAA.

Barbara loved life and meeting new people. She was an enthusiastic participant and instigator in small and large adventures as well as conversation. Over her years, she loved to travel, water ski, square dance, hike, read, observe art, sew, crochet, knit… She was up for just about anything either one of her daughters or any of her good friends suggested, and curious about everything. Her commitment to nurturing friendships was evident to all who love her. She was profoundly engaged with life.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Lucia K. Dale (Sid Brown) and six nieces and nephews. She had many close friends including Sarah Vance and Sarah Halligan (Cordell), both of whom were beautifully and gracefully helpful in Barbara’s final days. Barbara’s daughter Holly predeceased her.

The family is grateful to all those who helped Barbara throughout her life, especially those who came to her in these last few years and days, with special thanks to her friend and aide Sharon Oravec. Memorial contributions in her name are gratefully accepted by Easy’s Dog Shelter https://www.easys-dog-shelter.com/donate and Folks at Home https://www.folksathome.org/support. Barbara had profound admiration and respect for these organizations and their work.

Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.