Barbara Joyce Fortson Echols
Barbara Joyce Fortson Echols’s earthly life ended on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Barbara was born on May 18, 1939, in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late George Thomas Fortson Sr. and Versie Bates Fortson. Barbara graduated from Austin High School in Knoxville and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree at Knoxville College where she met her devoted husband of sixty-three years, Eddy L. Echols, Sr. Eddy and Barbara were married on January 1, 1960, and two children were born to that union: Yolanda Diane Echols and Eddy L. Echols, Jr.
Barbara and Eddy moved their family to Chattanooga in 1963 where she began her career working for the Chattanooga Public School system teaching typing at Howard Junior High School. After several years teaching at Howard, Barbara took a leave of absence to enter the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she earned her Master’s degree in vocational education. Barbara then returned to the Chattanooga Public System where she continued her teaching career at Kirkman and Brainerd High Schools until retiring in 1994.
Barbara was a devoted Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. which she joined at Knoxville College. After moving to Chattanooga, Barbara joined the Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and remained a loyal member until her death, serving terms as President and Treasurer along with chairing various committees, and reaching “Zeta Dove” status after over 50 years of loyal service. Barbara was also an active member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. during her children’s youth, and served a term as President of that organization. Barbara was a faithful member of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church where she served as the purchasing agent for several years.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George Thomas Fortson, Jr.; father and mother-in-law, Reuben Echols, Sr. and Letha Echols; brothers-in-law, Reuben Echols, Jr. and John Echols; sisters-in-law, Robbie Echols Battle and Jeanetta Smith Echols and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a niece.
She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-three years, Eddy Echols, Sr.; daughter Yolanda Echols Mitchell, Esq.; son Dr. Eddy (Michele) Echols Jr.; grandchildren, Briana Echols, Eddy Echols, III, and Aiyana Echols; brothers-in-law, Jesse (Doris) Echols, Andrew Echols, Lorenzo Battle; sisters-in-law, Josephine Smith, Vivian Echols, Maude Echols; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends at 5:00 PM.
A 12-noon funeral service will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Greater Tucker Baptist Church, 1115 North Moore Road.
The service will be Livestreamed from the Tucker Baptist Church.
Viewing links:
Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Garden East.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 423-622-9995.