Barbara Jean Allen

Surrounded by loved ones, Barbara Prater Allen, age 70, of Tullahoma, passed away peacefully after an extremely courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Cancer wasn't a new roadblock for Barbara, she'd battled through cancer twice before and, by the grace of God, had defeated it here on earth both times. And, even though she was a strong, independent woman, she knew where her help came from during those battles, and would tell anyone who would listen that the Lord was the one who had healed her both times. Now, she's been eternally healed.

Barbara was born in Michigan to the late Silas Arthur and Catherine Olive Prater. After her family's move to Tennessee, she graduated from Moore County High School. She was a dedicated employee at Wisco Envelope in Tullahoma for over 40 years. Barbara was gifted with the ability to cook. After retiring, she used that gift to help cook meals for a variety of occasions at the churches she attended, and for her family and friends. She was a member of the Westside Nazarene Church, and was a regular volunteer with their Family Food Ministry up until the last few months of her life. She loved being a Nana, and enjoyed visiting, talking, and eating out, with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Linda (Bobby) Stephens, Nancy Hart, Sharon Bobo, and Silas Prater, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Jeremy (Melissa) Allen; granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth; sisters, Debbie (Parks) Norman, Kathy (Terry) Smith, and Cindy (Jerry) Fanning; sister-in-law, Robin Prater; brother-in-laws, Danny Bobo, and Ronnie Hart; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and several close friends that she considered family.

A visitation will be held at the Tullahoma Funeral Home on Saturday, April 4, from 11 am-1 pm, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 1pm. Those wishing to make charitable donations in lieu of flowers, might consider donating to the American Cancer Society in memory of Barbara.

The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, hospital visits, texts of encouragement, food, and other acts of kindness throughout these past several weeks especially. Barbara felt very loved, encouraged, and provided for, through these acts, and her family did as well. The Lord always makes a way, and He always provides.