Barbara Ann Adams

Barbara Ann Adams, age 83 of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on October 27, 2026. She was born on June 18, 1943, in Dover, Pennsylvania to Farris and Dorothy Smith.

Barbara attended Dover High School and started working immediately and never slowed down. Most of her adult life was spent in retail sales and then opening her own business. She started out as retail manager for Ormond Shops which specialized in woman's apparel. She steadily climbed the corporate ladder at Ormond's which led her to move to Atlanta, GA. While in Atlanta she met James Paxton Gilliam whom she would marry in 1996. Barbara and James would enjoy many adventures in the Great Smokey Mountains and the western mountains of North Carolina. She loved to visit the communities of Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock and of course touring the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A strong and independent woman, she would retire from Ormond Shops only to open her own business which specialized in corporate and residential interior design. Her weekend trips to the Great Smokey Mountains and Western North Carolina would be a perfect fit for her adventurous spirit combined with her unique perspective on art and how to dress up those drab corporate offices.

She was a member of Grace Fellowship church where she deepened her faith and enjoyed fellowship with the Rannick Community Group.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her two granddaughters (Sarah & Molly) who she adored. Be it on a holiday trip to Pennsylvania or vacation in Florida/Tennessee she loved to be with "her girls" and spoiled them every time she could. She loved to dress them up for the holidays. She also enjoyed returning home to Tennessee to be with her beloved "furry family" of dogs, cats, and deer who would come visit in the woods around her home.

She is survived by her sister Joyce Smith, daughter Jodi Kleinert (Kenneth Kleinert), and granddaughters Sarah Schad (Benjamin Schad) and Molly Kleinert, her nieces and nephews and wonderful friends from Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband James Paxton Gilliam, brothers Richard Smith, Hugh Warren and James Smith, and sister Janet Nichols.

To honor Barbara's wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to please privately celebrate Barbara's memory in your own ways. We know that she will be with us in spirit as we look for those hidden gems be it in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains or at art shows in the city.

Thank you for your prayers and understanding during this difficult time.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.