Barbara Jo Dunaway

Barbara Jo Dunaway, age 95, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025 while surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born January 1, 1930 in Selmer, Tennessee and is the daughter of Alice McCullar Basinger and Earl Basinger. She lived a long and full life in Selmer while embracing and appreciating the charm and beauty of life in a small town.
For forty-one wonderful years, Barbara was married to James Ruble Dunaway, son of the late Arch and Grace Dunaway. Together they have one beloved daughter, Carolyn Dunaway Hill. Carolyn is the wife of David Edwin Hill of whom they loved as a son.
Barbara was life-long member of First Baptist Church in Selmer, Tennessee. Along with her faith, the crowning glory of their lives was the blessing of becoming the very proud grandparents to Reid Andrew Hill (Katy) Columbia, Tennessee and our Angel - Matthew Edwin Hill. They both considered their precious grandsons, who filled their lives with immeasurable joy to be among their greatest blessings and the adoration was mutual.
She was overjoyed to be great-grandmother to Reid and Katy's precious children, Andrew Edwin Hill (4) and Caroline Watson Hill (3). The deepest love she held for Reid and Matt was also lavishly showered on Andrew and Caroline. They loved the frequent and "sweetest Nana" visits...hugs, kisses, and yes...lots of chocolate treats.
Barbara was very proud to be a small business owner in Selmer. She owned Selmer Fabric Shop for fifteen wonderful years and cherished the dear friendships and clients she was honored to serve. Upon retirement from her business, she found much joy in merchandising, displaying and marketing jewelry for the local Wal-Mart Store, along with the many dear friendships she shared.
Among Barbara's many gifts and talents, she had a very special way of extending love to everyone she knew. She taught us by living it - that a life of true richness is measured not by possessions but by your love of God and the Grace you extend to the ones you love.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Ruble Dunaway and her adored grandson, Matthew Hill. She was also preceded in death by her dearest friend and beloved sister, Betty Jane Basinger Doss; brother-in-law, Horner Lamar Doss; brother, Billy Wayne Basinger; sister-in-law, Nona Goodrum (Pete); brother-in-law, Johnny Dunaway (Earlene); and many more very dear extended family members.
Miss Barbara was dearly loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Lynnfield Assisted Living for their wonderful care and love of Barbara for the last 6 years. We also want to express to Mrs. Carolyn Crowe, our close family friend, our heartfelt gratitude for her constant love and care.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist church in Selmer, TN
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