Karen Barr

Karen Ann Barr passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on October 21, 2025 at the age of 75. She will be lovingly remembered for her big heart, her devotion to family and friends, and her steadfast faith in Christ.

Born in Humboldt, Tennessee on July 29, 1950, Karen was the oldest of five children born to Lorene and Ray Barr. Karen cherished her childhood and the foundation her parents gave her at Poplar Heights Baptist Church, where she enjoyed attending church and Bible School.

Karen was named Miss Northside in high school and fulfilled her dream of becoming a beautician in 1968. She later worked for Daniel Construction and married James Reid Hughes, with whom she had three children: Jason, Heather, and Michelle Hughes. Her greatest joy was her family, which grew to include grandsons, Jonathan Hughes, Josh Dunbar, Josiah Hughes, and Andrew Whitaker, as well as several cherished great-grandchildren.

Karen gave generously of her time as a Cub Scout leader and school volunteer when her children were young, and she later served as a devoted volunteer at the Johnson County Center for the Arts. She shared a close bond with her mother, her aunts Patsy and Doris, and her great-aunt Peggy, and always looked forward to attending the Strawberry Festival in her hometown of Humboldt.

A creative spirit, Karen loved crafting—especially with buttons—and was an excellent cook. She enjoyed shopping at craft and thrift stores, sharing good meals, and spending time with loved ones.

Karen had a gift for finding the good in every situation and for brightening the lives of those around her. She faced life with gratitude and grace, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joy.

Karen was preceded in death by her daughter Heather Hughes, her mother and father, Lorene and Ray Barr, and her brother Tony Barr as well as her Aunt Doris Waldkoetter.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted son, Jason Hughes and his fiance Cristy Dunn, daughter Michelle Hughes; brother Kenny Barr and his wife, Sandy, sisters Angie Barr and Jan Barr, late brother Tony’s wife, Sherri Barr; grandsons Jonathan Hughes, Josh Dunbar, Josiah Hughes, and Andrew Whitaker; several great-grandchildren who held a very special place in her heart; great-aunt Peggy Johnson Privitt, aunt Patsy Boyd; nephews Jamie and Kevin Barr, nieces Stacey Barr Reeves and Elisha Barr. Karen also leaves behind Alex Frank, Jason’s fiance’s sons Andrew, Kyman, and Jackson Matherly; as well as several special friends, including Temple Reece, Evelyn Cook, Lois Dunn, Anne Perry, Addie Bobbitt; special neighbor Linda Guy; and many friends at Johnson County Senior Center and Johnson County Center for the Arts.

The family will receive friends at the Hux & Lipford Funeral Home from 3:00 to 4:00pm on Saturday, October 25 followed by a funeral service at 4:00pm in the Hux & Lipford Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steven Spencer officiating. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will include Kenny Barr, Jamie Barr, Jonathan Hughes, Andrew Whitaker, Josh Dunbar, Josiah Hughes, and Andrew and Kyman Matherly.

Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.huxlipfordfh.com.

Hux & Lipford Funeral Home 300 W. Main St. Mountain City, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Karen Barr.