Barbara J. NEWCOMER

NEWCOMER, Barbara J., 77, died at home in Sarasota, Fla., November 24, 2011, after a long illness. Survivors of this Boone, Iowa native include her beloved husband, John; four daughters, Tampa Tribune reporter Michelle Bearden, Leslie Bailey (Mark) of Tierra Verde, Fla., Kelley Jamieson of Sarasota and Stephanie Slaybaugh (Tony) of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren, Casey, Natalie and Jake Slaybaugh; sisters, Beverly Hinkle (Wes) of San Diego, Calif., and Bonnie Holthus (Bob) of Louisville, Ky., and Hot Springs, Ark.; and two step-sons, Tom Newcomer (Lilly) of Los Angeles, Calif., and John W. Newcomer (Norma) of Miami, Fla. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Del and Janet Bennett; and grandson, Kevin Jamieson. First and foremost a great mother to her daughters, Barbara also had an impeccable flair for fashion, a gift of spontaneous creativity and a keen artistic sense. While living in the Detroit, Mich., area with first husband, Wes Bearden, she was an art representative with Skidmore Sahratian Inc. in Troy. Barbara's joie de vivre was unparalleled; her eye for interior design was sought by many. She was feisty, vivacious and unforgettable. Her luminous smile and infectious personality will never be forgotten. A gathering of her friends and family took place at The Field Club in Sarasota, where she was a member. In February, a celebration of Barbara's fabulous life will take place around the Valentine's Day holiday. She will always be remembered as a hearts-and-angels kind of gal. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to Prevent Blindness Florida, 200 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. To view obituary and leave condolences, please visit TBO.com