Barbara Jean (Lewis) Grimm, 82, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of September 20, 2026, at Three Rivers Health Center, where she had recently been receiving excellent care for advanced dementia.

Barbara was born July 29, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Russell and Maxine Lewis. She spent most of her life in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and was raised in the Church of Christ.

A talented artist with a lifelong appreciation for creativity, Barbara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Arkansas State University. She held several jobs throughout her life, but the roles she cherished most were those of mother and grandmother.

Outgoing, devoted, and strong-willed, Barbara cared deeply for her family and had a special way of making holidays and birthdays feel important. No matter how old her children and grandchildren became, she wanted to make sure everyone had a birthday cake and an Easter basket each year. These simple traditions were among the many ways she showed her love and created memories her family will continue to cherish.

Barbara also valued her friendships and especially enjoyed meeting with friends for their weekly game of Bridge. She enjoyed being around people, and her family, friendships, creativity, and traditions were important parts of the life she built in Jonesboro.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Rick) Perry and Stacy (Gary Dean) Gestring; five grandchildren, Graham Gestring, Jay Perry, Noah Perry, Hannah Gestring, and Joe Tyler Perry; her sister, Becky (Richard) Willey and sister-in-law, Rosemary (Larry) Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Maxine Lewis, and her brother, Larry Lewis.

A visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Burial will be private.