Emily Burke Barron

Emily Burke Barron, age 84, a beloved resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Tristar Spring Hill ER.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rob Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Emily was born on June 22, 1940, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Thomas Albert Burke and the late Ethelwyn Thompson Burke. She attended Shelbyville High School and graduated from Stuart Hall in Stratton, Virginia. She worked for nearly a decade at Wallpaper for Less, where she was affectionately known around town as "the wallpaper lady."

A gifted musician with a passion for sharing the joy of music, Emily worked at Hewgley’s Music Shop and later co-owned Johnny’s Music Center. In the 1970s, she authored How to Play the Guitar, a reflection of her desire to teach and inspire others.

With a heart full of compassion, Emily cared for many children as if they were her own. She had a strong and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Servants Heart Worship Center. Emily's life was marked by her servant’s heart, unwavering love for her family, and dedication to living out her faith. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Bobby Barron of Columbia; daughter, Cyndi Mabry Warren of Columbia; brother, Thomas Albert Burke, Jr. of Columbia; grandchildren, Wesley Mabry, Robby (Peyton) Barron, Emily Carol Barron (Chris) Williams, Tiffany (Andy) Jenks, and Misti Warren; great-grandchildren, Wesley Mabry, Jordan Mabry, Nicholas Mabry, Abel Mabry, Arianna Mabry, Bennett Barron, Barrett Barron, Brooks Barron, Beckett Williams, Lilah Williams, Avery Jenks, and Greenlee Jenks; and great-great-grandchildren, Kaiser Mabry and Khloe Mabry.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Noel Barron.

Pallbearers will be the men of Servants Heart Worship Center.