Barbara Ann Jackson Bledsoe

Barbara Ann Jackson Bledsoe of Pulaski, Tennessee, passed away on October 15, 2025, at NHC of Pulaski. She was born in Stella, Tennessee on April 5, 1937 and was 88 years old. Barbara loved to sing and dance at an early age and was enrolled in dramatics as her mother and brother, Joe Jackson, thought they had the next Shirley Temple in the family. Although fame never happened, Barbara sang with a group in high school, on the radio in her youth, was in many plays, and entertained her family by often by bursting into song at any given moment. She was a superstar to those who loved her. Barbara married the love of her life, Joe Bledsoe, in 1955 and worked at the local shirt factory in Pulaski while studying in Huntsville, AL, to be a cosmologist. After many years of making sure every hair was in place for her customers, she went to work for the TN Department of Transportation where she retired as a District Parts Manager at the young age of 78. She was a member of TSEA during her tenure with the State of TN serving as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Barbara loved her family and friends. She was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day and a comedian when laugher was needed. A caregiver to many in times of need. She loved her daughter, Tina, beyond measure. Barbara treated her daughter’s friends like her own family. She made certain there were favorite treats and special foods prepared for their visits. She spoiled and loved her son-in-law, Tim, and was always up to a friendly game of Rook with him and the family where Tim often questioned her scorekeeping abilities. Barbara loved to travel and explore new places with her family. Trips by car, boat, and plane took her to one country and 21 states in her lifetime. A few days before her death she whispered to her daughter, “when are we going somewhere?” She was ready for her next trip to be with Our Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00pm Friday, October 24, 2025, at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be 11:00am Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Johnson officiating.

The burial will follow in Giles Memory Gardens.

Memorial donations are suggested to Giles County Public Library, Giles County Animal Shelter, and Second Street Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clay Smith and Iva Rena Kincaid Jackson. Her husband Joe Benton Bledsoe. Brothers, James Clay Jackson and Joe Smith Jackson along with her sisters Mary Todd Franklin, Anna Russell Williams, and Norma Lee Tidwell.

She is survived by her; Daughter, Tina (Tim) Reynolds of Memphis, Tennessee. Sister, Lela Jane Williams of Anaheim, California. Sister-in-law, Pat Bledsoe McNeese of Pulaski, Tennessee; and Sister-in-law Sandy Jackson of Inverness, Florida. Special friend, who was like her second daughter, Holly Ann Cagle of Wimberley, Texas. Her Grand Dog, Astro. Countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were special to her survive.

A tremendous thank you for the blessing of excellent care and love from the nurses, CNA’s, and other caregivers at NHC and the Care Team at Caris Hospice. 

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Barbara Ann Jackson Bledsoe.