Barbara Jean (Slocum) Van Ornam

On Thursday, October 31, 2019, Barbara Slocum Van Ornam, loving wife and mother of five daughters passed away at the age of 81 at her home surrounded by her family, in Ooltewah, TN.

Barbara was born in Glendale, CA, on May 9, 1938 to Russell and Jean (Vance) Slocum. She was married to Don Van Ornam for 60 plus years. She graduated from Loma Linda University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters of Science in Public Health.

She served with her husband as missionaries for 21 ½ years in Zimbabwe, Africa and the Philippines. After returning to the United States she served as a nurse at Riverside General Hospital in California and several doctor’s offices in Maryland and Chattanooga, TN.

She is survived by her loving husband, Don; five daughters, Abigail Sherilynn Peterson, Karen Van Ornam, Caroline Wright (Loren), Linda Plank (Matt), Lisa Underwood (Lincoln); nince grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Baerg; brother, Don Slocum; and nieces and nephews.

She was known for her caring spirit and encouraging people to be their best until the end; trying to give people hope and a purpose. After moving to Chattanooga she developed a passion for China painting as a hobby and painted many beautiful pieces of China mainly for her family members.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to T Gen Foundation to support Pancreatic Cancer Research at 445 N. 5th St. Suite 120 Phoenix, AZ 85004 or www.tgen.org/donate.

A memorial service is will be held at a later date.

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