Barbara Ann Mullins McEntire

Barbara M. McEntire was born in Dothan, Alabama to Minnie M. and Samson B. Mullins. She was blessed with a loving family, including 5 brothers and sisters. Faith, hard work and education were the hallmarks of her family, built on a solid foundation of God’s love and the love of all people, especially family.

Her early days in Dothan gave way to a family move to Atlanta when she was 4 years old. In Atlanta she would complete her education and eventually begin work at a bank where she would meet her husband, William “Bill” W. McEntire. They married on June 6, 1953. Bill soon went to work for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), which led to moves throughout the United States, France, Germany and Thailand. She had two sons, W. David McEntire and Scott W. McEntire.

Barbara never wasted an opportunity to travel, learn and experience with her family. She traveled to more than 40 countries and loved meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and “going on an adventure”. She lived in many houses, in many lands, but her home was always with her family.

Barbara had a natural and well-developed gift for music. Throughout her life she shared her vocal, instrumental and choral directing gifts, often directing a church choir, a community chorus, even an operatic chorus. In her last years in Assisted Living, she was often found playing piano for her neighbors and staff or leading a group of residents in singing. She knew how to bring joy to many with her musical gifts.

Barbara deeply believed in the unconditional love of God, (Grace). She reflected that belief in her love and care of others, never failing to remember God’s love and presence. Music was her expressed theology and serving others with that gift was her way of sharing her faith. Many hearts and minds found peace and joy when she shared these gifts.

Barbara was predeceased by her mother and father, Minnie and Bluford Mullins, her husband Bill McEntire, her sisters Grace and Helen as well as her brothers, Robert, Sam and Gus. She is survived by her sons, David (Nancy) McEntire and Scott (Laura) McEntire, 5 grandchildren (Katie, Andy, Molly, Shaylyn, Christopher), several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her service was held on March 30, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Fl., where her ashes are interred.