Bon Aqua, TN - Barbara Gilpin began her life in March 1934 in Rock Springs, WY as the only child of Henry Perner and Katie Starman. She graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1952 and was active in the Glee Club there. In the years during and after high school Barbara was a professional singer primarily in clubs. She married Donald Jay Gilpin in August 1952 at the Church of Transfiguration in Moose, WY. She and her husband had two children, Donald Shayne Gilpin who was born in June 1956 and Kim Lori Gilpin (Cole) who was born in August 1958. She and her family lived for many years in Scottsdale, Arizona where she raised her children. The family enjoyed camping in the Arizona mountains and travelling throughout the United States. Barbara also loved her cats and dogs that she had as pets.

While living in Scottsdale during this time she made the most important decision of her life to become a believer in Christ Jesus and was instrumental in leading her husband and children to also follow Jesus. The family attended and served at First Southern Baptist Church in Scottsdale, AZ. Barbara was an active Bible teacher, youth sponsor, and participated in the music ministry there in the choir and singing solos and with others in ensembles.

She decided to go to Arizona State University in the mid-1960's where she earned two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and a Masters Degree in Foods and Nutrition. She then worked for several years at Baptist Hospital in Scottsdale, AZ as a Registered Dietician. She then moved to Mesa Community College (MCC) in Mesa, AZ and worked there as a professor in the Home Economics Department until she retired in the 1990's. While she was working at MCC, she and her husband moved to Payson, AZ where they both retired and resided until 2004. She was active at First Southern Baptist Church in Payson, AZ, teaching the Bible to couples and participating in the music ministry. She sang in the choir, performed solos, and was also part of a woman's trio that performed at the church and in other ministry settings.

Barbara and her husband, Donald, were married for 55 years. In August 2002 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Payson, AZ. Unfortunately, her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and they needed to move to Fairview, TN in 2004 so that they could be closer to their son, Shayne, and his family. Her husband, Donald, died in September 2007. Barbara continued to serve as Bible teacher and participate in the music ministry at several churches in the area. The last church she served in was First Baptist Church in Dickson, TN until 2020.

Barbara Gilpin passed away on May 23, 2026, from complications related to her Alzheimer's disease. She is preceded in death by her father (Henry Perner), mother (Katie Starman), and her husband (Donald Gilpin). She is survived by her son, Shayne (Kristi) and her daughter, Kim. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Danielle Nigro, Bryan Gilpin, Diana (Steven) Dodson, and Josh Browning. She is also survived by her 6 great-grandchildren, Emma Nigro, Nathan Nigro, Audrey Dodson, Gavin Dodson, Hannah Williams, and Mia Dodson.