A friend loveth at all times... Proverbs 17:17 A celebration of life. A celebration of love. A celebration of friendship and family. I am thinking of the most amazing woman, a strong, gentle and beautiful woman, a woman who was my guide, unconditionally, through all the ups and downs. Her smile was the like the sunshine that we see today - shining on our faces and providing warmth for our souls. The love I see in Mama, I’m seeing in you, with your stories and memories of her. Mama never knew a stranger and she always had a smile to share. She was truly a gift and opened my eyes with every moment we spent together to all the opportunities of discovering ways to love others, like Jesus loves us. Mama's relationship with Christ was her cornerstone for how she lived. Even now her spirit is living through I dare say the thousands of people she has touched. She made the world a more beautiful space. She lives on through our smiles, our hugs, and the overwhelming outpouring accounts of how she touched our lives. Countless stories of generosity, the comforting hugs, and the endless and tireless attention to details. She was always remembering and celebrating others. Responsive, available, Delicate, kind, enduring, thoughtful, mindful, a weaver of dreams. She saw you. Not just the outside of you. She saw the light in each one of us and celebrated that light with all her heart, in whatever way possible….through cards, through phone calls, through texts, through warm smiles and laughter. She could make each person in a room of 100 feel special all at the same time. She loved her family and her friends with abandon. Mama loved trees, the Japanese dogwood, the majestic Willow, the mighty Oak. Their root systems and branches facscinated her in the way that they reach out together much like arms ready to hug. She loved polka dots, the gentle petals of flowers, and the soothing sound of the waterfall. She loved to laugh and make others laugh too. Her laughter was a melody perfectly timed to the heart of the matter. Time seems to stop when grieving someone you love. There’s a whisper of hope in that moment of stillness when things seem lost. I would say this is where God speaks the most loudly. Mona had a way of elevating any mood, reminding us that no matter how hard times could get we always have our smile to share, our faith to lean upon, and one another to love. She was the type of person that made me want to hug the world. This is from one of my favorite cards Mona sent me. I know she would want me to share this with you now. May you dance long after the music stops. May your laughter ring long and true. May God grant you always, A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray Heaven to hear you. An Irish blessing.

The world has lost an incredible lady. Mona Barron was loved and loved unconditionally! I don’t think she ever knew the impact she had on others. So many fond and fun memories!

Mrs. Barron was a precious lady. Kind and sweet. She was great to work with, she loved her students and they loved her. Her life was her testimony, she will be missed by many,

Many condolences to your family in the loss of Mrs. Mona. I taught in the library at Unicoi Elementary. I have never met a more professional lady and friend she and I exchanged Christmas gifts her last year there and bought each other the same gift. She and I were so glad and I will always treasure that memory.

Mona was the best friend. Me and her always had the best times. We loved going through boxes in the basement. We would find stuff and she would just laugh. She was always giving. She gave me many ornaments and angels. She has always been apart of my Christmas and will continue for every year to come. I loved her and I will miss her dearly.

Mrs. Mona will live always in my heart as the most sunshine filled, kind hearted, lover of all people and life. I will always remember her joy and smile, her laughter, and the light that always came from her heart. She loved writing cards to people and would sometimes ask me to repair or embellish one if it got a spot or a scuff. It warmed me inside to do that for her, knowing it would make someone smile. She would write my son Avian letters and notes when he was young. She reached out to so many with her genuine love. She was/is a great mother, and always welcomed me in the family as well, being friends with Catherine for so many years. Mona, you are loved and missed. Much love and prayers to the family.

I am the mother of Jordan, Broyles Dr. Katie Broyles’s husband, he always had such pleasant things to share with me about you. I know you will be missed by many.

Sarah, Rusty, Earl and all the family- Though we had lost touch, we will always have Mona in our hearts. Her faith in Christ her Savior, character, personality, kindness and wonderful just wonderful sense of humor we will always remember. Our prayers and love are with each of you. God prepared her mansion and the angels are rejoicing that she is home. May this give you comfort and may the days ahead be filled with lovely memories of her.

I knew Mona from my many years of working at the Johnson City Public Library. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. I loved talking with her, she was so intelligent and interesting, and she always sought me out when she came in. I loved her. RIP

I met Mona while working as a cna. This news really breaks my heart. My condolences to her amazing family. I have no doubt where Mona is now. We will see her again. I'm sorry for this huge loss.

I am sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman and so kind, caring and loving. I had library my Senior year of high school and she was so good to me. I called her "Mama Barron" I loved her so much and she made my life better. She will be missed.

Mona was a part of my life as a little kid as a teenager and then again as a young professional. Mona was part of my church family for many years and I will never forget her great smile and the way she was always so positive. She will be missed by many

Mona was my preacher’s wife when I was growing up. I was also a helper of hers when she was the librarian at Unicoi County High School. She was a big part of my childhood and teenage years. She will be missed.

She was a special lady.

I have fond memories of the Barrons from their time at Little Joe’s Presbyterian Church. We have been practicing a Requiem for this coming All Saints’ Sunday and singing this verse from the Book of Wisdom 3:1 resonated with me this week: The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. Thinking of you all and hoping you will find peace and strength going forward.

Providence ARP surely mourns the passing of a good friend, Mona. She was a jewel who endeared herself to us all in Clinton. What wonderful memories we all have of her Blakely family and also the Barrons through visits, marriages, infant baptisms and more. Sending love to each of you.

I worked with Mona at Unicoi! One of the sweetest ladies ever!

May your beautiful soul find enternal peace during your immortal journey. Thank for being so kind to me back in Nokesville all those years ago.