of Earle, AR

May 16, 1931 - November 19, 2021

Jimmie Coldren Barham passed away peacefully at home in her beloved Earle on November 19, 2021. Jimmie was born on May 16, 1931, in Parkin, AR to Jerre and Sarah Gooch Coldren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eugene J. Barham, Jr., brother-in-law, Gordon Morris, and her older sister, Jerre Jayne Morris who was her idol and lifelong best friend. Jimmie grew up in Parkin and was a ''Tom Boy'' who loved to ride her bike, climb trees, and participate in about any type of sport, especially basketball, or any outdoor activity. Jimmie's father died suddenly when she was 12 years old. She attended school in Parkin until she was 16 at which time; she attended St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis. The next year she convinced her mother to allow her to live with her Aunt Kate in Memphis, so she could transfer to Central High School for her junior and senior years. It was at Central that she became a cheerleader and developed many great friendships. After high school, she attended Ole Miss her freshman and sophomore years where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. As much as she loved Ole Miss, her ''life plan'' was to ''put down roots'' in both Mississippi and Arkansas so she attended Ole Miss for 2 years and then transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she was also active in that chapter of KKG, for her Junior and Senior years. It was from U of A that she graduated in 1954. After graduation, she returned home and worked as a fourth-grade teacher in Earle for two years. Her longtime friend and beau, Eugene Barham, Jr., finally ''convinced her'' to marry him and they were married in Earle on September 25, 1956. Later, Jimmie and Eugene were blessed with two children, her daughter, Jimmie Jr., and son Eugene, III. Jimmie graciously performed the role of ''super wife and mother'' for her family, while occasionally agreeing to substitute teach in the Earle schools. In 1983 her husband of 26 years died suddenly at the age of 52 while sitting next to her on the sofa in their home, at which time her life immediately turned upside down. She was suddenly thrust into managing the family farming interests while attempting to determine God's plan for the rest of her life. Jimmie was led to return to college to obtain a further degree, this one in Library Science so that she could serve a need in the Earle schools by becoming the Earle Elementary Librarian. Thus, a new chapter of her life began, as she became ''Miss Jimmie'' to hundreds of children in the Earle School system. This was a calling for which she was truly passionate. She retired as Elementary Librarian at the young age of 86 and always maintained that her time teaching and loving her students was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. In addition to a fulfilling teaching career, Jimmie was elected to the Earle City Council in 1994 and held that position until her passing. She also served for many years as Vice Chairman of the Crittenden County Democratic Party and she was a true ''yellow dog democrat''. She attended and had dear friends at the First United Methodist Church of Earle, Earle Baptist Church, and First Presbyterian Church of West Memphis, where she was a member. Jimmie Barham was a truly gracious, southern lady, who served as an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Annette Atkins, Coretta Allen, Trina Walker, Cassandra Mason, Sandy Teague, and all of the wonderful caregivers and staff at Caring Hearts in Marked Tree.
This wonderful team allowed mother to live in her ''buff brick'' house in Earle, keep her ''signature/power bow'' in the back of her hair (in between trips to Patsy's Place) and make her life so comfortable and peaceful as she transitioned to be with all of her family in Heaven.

She is survived by her daughter, Jimmie (''Jimmie Jr.'') Beauchamp (David) of Fayetteville, son Eugene, III (Greg Packer) of Dallas, niece Sara Morris of Fayetteville, cousins Johanna Quinn of Jonesboro and Marilyn Kay Peterson (Don) of Fayetteville. She is also survived by a multitude of good friends in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and many other places too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a memorial to The Jimmie C Barham Endowed Scholarship at ASU Mid-South Foundation Inc., Attention: Diane Hampton 2000 West Broadway West Memphis, Arkansas 72301

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com