Barbara Reynolds Kemp Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Barbara Reynolds Kemp, age 82, born March 3, 1940 in Ft. Pierce Florida, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 surrounded by loving family, friends, and her beloved dog Dakota. A retiree of the Department of Health, Board of Nursing, she is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Kemp (Gary Pearson) and Melissa Kemp Christensen (Eric Christensen); a grand-daughter, Tara Christensen; nephew Britt Reynolds; nieces Rebecca Griffin, Ruth Lyn Orr, and Nan Lundberg; 5 great nieces; and numerous friends who are like family, too many to count. A service will be held at Bevis Funeral Home, Friday August 5th at 3pm with a Celebration of Life, (or as Barbara instructed a Party, Party, Party) at the Tallahassee Garden Center at 5pm, following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice(https://bigbendhospice.org/foundation/) or the Tallahassee Alzheimer’s Project (https://alzheimersproject.org/). A child of World War 2, Barbara D. Reynolds was born on March 3, 1940 to George Harry Reynolds and Maizie Emmitt Reynolds in Ft. Pierce Florida. She remembers those years playing with her brother Harry, eating tomato gravy on meatless Friday, and watching famed painter A.E. “Beanie” Backus set up under her family’s banyan tree painting his iconic Royal Poinciana in her neighbor’s yard. She had a typical Florida childhood playing with friends, going to the beach, and many other adventures. Early on, Barbara had a natural “joie de vivre”, sharing her enthusiasm with many friends, whom she maintained close contact throughout her entire life. Friendly and caring, Barbara had a sincere interest in people. Her natural ability to make strong relationships led to her becoming both homecoming queen and captain of the cheerleading squad, where she was joined by her lifelong friend Sara Johnson. Barbara’s love of music and adventure also started at an early age. She and her “partner in crime”, Sally Yates, visited juke joints to hear early rock-n-roll legends such as Fats Domino. She was a good student, graduating from Dan McCarty High School in 1958 when she followed her brother Harry to Florida State University. Barbara enjoyed her time as FSU pledging Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Beta Gamma Chapter. While home on break, true to 1950’s fashion she met her soon to be husband Shelton Kemp, at a diner and shortly thereafter left school to get married, moving to Miami, Florida. Barbara was a homemaker and mother to two daughters, Kimberly and Melissa. She created a happy home no matter where the family went, managing many moves between Miami, St. Petersburg, and eventually settling in Tallahassee in 1969. Barbara became a committed and respected member of the City of Tallahassee, where she involved herself in the community and local politics. She was an active member of the Junior League of Tallahassee, where she was essential in establishing CPR training throughout the community, and the Bargain Box (the precursor to the Whale of a Sale). On a lighter note, drawing back to her love of music, she joined the Junior League Loonies where they made light of local figures and the climate of the day thorough musical satire. She was also active in her daughters’ schools and after-school activities. Barbara had a strong drive to help young women in the community as an avid supporter of Girl Scouts becoming a troop leader and she served as Chapter Advisor to her Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. After many years in Tallahassee, Barbara eventually settled in Gardenia Gardens, on Mimosa Drive, where she became fast friends with Sandy Lambert, Robin Leach, Rachel McPherson, (whom she had known since living in St. Pete), and Linda Hilaman Wicker. These neighbors became as close as family sharing many adventures including holiday antics, forming many traditions and bonds that would never be severed. Barbara was also a fan of all things Florida State University and an avid FSU booster. She didn’t miss a home football game for too many years to count. Seminole Saturdays not only included attending the football games but also legendary tailgate parties with her Mimosa Drive partners, including Terry and Karan Denson. These tailgate traditions will continue for years to come! As her children grew up, Barbara pursued her interest in politics by helping close friend Paul W. Lambert with his lobbying firm. Then she entered the workforce, working for the Florida Legislature and various state agencies, until her retirement from the Department of Health as Program Administrator with the Board of Nursing. Barbara wasn’t going to let retirement slow her down! Continuing to give back to her community and the citizens of Florida, she served several terms as a consumer member on the Board of Nursing, and she was a long-time volunteer with Red Hills Horse Trials. In addition to volunteering, Barbara also reconnected with her love of playing bridge, where she made many new friends, including her bridge partner Dot Willamson. Barbara always approached life with gusto. While there were some tough times, she chose to see the good in almost everything around her. She was quick with a smile, a kind word, and a hug, whatever was needed. She was happy to offer advice when asked yet supported your decision no matter what. If you were a friend of Barbara Kemp, you knew it and she loved you with her whole heart. Her generosity and compassion made an impact to all who knew her. She will surely be missed. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Kemp family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Barbara Reynolds Kemp

March 3, 1940 - July 21, 2022