Mrs. Rowena Keck Barnes Cupp

Mrs. Rowena Keck Barnes Cupp February 3, 1928 - November 4, 2025
Rowena Jane Keck Barnes Cupp age 97 of New Tazewell, TN went to be with her Lord on November 4, 2025. Rowena was the beloved daughter of Matt and Jane Keck of the Goin community in Claiborne County. She was born on February 3, 1928 and was the youngest of nine children.
Rowena attended and graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina with a degree in Home Economics. Her first job was as an Extension Home Demonstration Agent in Bristol, TN.
Rowena met and married, James Hughes Barnes, a handsome army veteran who attended the University of Tennessee and became a County Extension Agent. They were married on June 23, 1951 in Whitesburg, Ky. A short while later, they moved to Claiborne County and Rowena became a full time Mother as their first son, Rodney Hughes was born in 1953. In four years, Douglas Jacob joined the family. James Eric made his arrival in 1962 as the third son. When Eric started school, Rowena began teaching Elementary school children and taught for the next 26 years.
Rowena loved competitive sports while playing basketball in high school, softball in college, and bowling in her later years. She also competed in numerous events in the Senior Olympics and has a box of medals that attest to her athletic skill and ability.
Rowena loved University of Tennessee sports but especially football. She and Eric had season tickets on the 45 yard line for over 50 years.
Rowena loved her Lord and gave her life to him at an early age. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in New Tazewell for over 70 years. She also taught a Ladies Sunday School class until just a few years ago. She and Eric enjoyed several TV Ministries in her later years.
In 1977, her beloved Hughes predeceased her in death. In 1998, she met and married a childhood friend, Herman Cupp who also predeceased her in death.
Rowena leaves behind two sons, Rod (Linda) Barnes of Selmer, TN and Doug (Jeannine) Barnes of Ellensburg WA. Her son, Eric, went to Heaven on December 26, 2024. Her granddaughters include Dolly Jane Barnes, Laura (Jared) Stueckle, and Carrie (Ryan) Johnson. Her grandson, Matt Barnes, is deceased. Her great grandchildren include Soren and Rowan Stueckle and Paxton and Aurelia Johnson.
A graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery in New Tazewell, TN.
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