Barbara Jean Laws Mullinax
Barbara Jean Laws Mullinax, age 77, passed away on January 8, 2024 while in hospice care. Her husband and children were at her bedside.
Barbara loved Jesus Christ and she gave her life to Him at age 38. She was changed from that point forward. Sharing the love of Jesus with all who crossed her path became her life’s joy. She was a talented teacher, uniquely gifted with the ability to connect with people and immediately pass on spiritual truths she learned, even as a new believer. Her life as a witness and teacher began with her four children and husband; each of them were first introduced to the gospel by Barbara through the work of the Holy Spirit. Her family teased her about being perpetually late, yet she had the ability to talk deeply with nearly anyone, regularly meeting people in the midst of their crises and encouraging them as though she was right on time for their divine appointment. Even at the end of her life, with her body so weak, God used her to love and serve others. Barbara treasured the verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
The most important person on earth to Barbara was her beloved husband, Larry Mullinax. Barbara and Larry met at Vanderbilt during freshman year. He was the love of her life and they married on June 11, 1967. They were married for 56 years. They grew up together, met Jesus together, laughed together, grew in their faith together and have ministered to their children and grandchildren together on a daily basis. Wanting to share the joy of following Christ with her children and grandchildren, Barbara made family time a priority. “Ami and G-dad” are what they are called by their 10 grandchildren, who kept their schedule full with countless performances, programs, recitals, and games.
Barbara was known for teaching the Bible and ministering to young mothers at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. God gifted her with the ability to convey biblical truths and shepherd young moms. A mom with a newborn baby once asked her the secret to raising godly children. She told us that Barbara giggled and in all humility said, “There is no secret. There is no formula. Just chase after Jesus and they will follow you.” She will be remembered as someone who was open about her mistakes, pointed others to Jesus, prayed faithfully, and loved generously and unconditionally in response to Jesus’s love for her.
She was born January 24, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland to James and Anne Laws. She was preceded in death by her brother Bobby, her sister Joanne Chiglinsky (Joanne’s husband Mike), and her mother and father.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Larry, her children: Lisanne Mullinax, Greg Mullinax (Clarice), Allison Jenson (Dave), and Angie Boone (Sam), and her ten grandchildren: Perrin and Rosamond Mullinax; Nathan, Elizabeth, William, Blaire and James Boone; and Norah, Callie and Eve Jenson; her brother Jerry Laws (Tricia) and their daughters Jennifer and Gretchen; her sister’s children Brian, Katherine and Peter; her brother Jimmy (Jan) and their sons Michael and Jason.
The family will receive guests from 10-11:30 a.m. on January 27 at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, TN. A celebration of life will follow from 11:30-12:30 and will be officiated by Jim Suddath.
In lieu of flowers, the best way to honor Barbara is to donate to Choices Pregnancy
Resource Center, a ministry that Barbara and Larry have enjoyed supporting for many years: https://engage.suran.com/choiceschatt/s/give/new-gift?slug=dec8e818d5894a4
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.