Barbara (Bobbie) Ann Howe Gillard, 92, passed away peacefully on July 3 at Brookdale Senior Living. She was born in Lexington KY and the only daughter of the late James A. Howe and Gladys Burke Howe. She was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School where she was the Prom Queen and Miss Oak Ridge High. She also was a graduate of Business College in Evansville IN. Bobbie later worked at AEDC when her family moved to the area, and where she met her husband, the late Thomas J. Gillard. She was active in the AEDC Women’s Club and President in 1983-84.

Bobbie was preceded in death by brothers James A. Jr. (Shirley) of Ashville NC and Robert A. (infant), and two of her four sons Daniel J. of Tullahoma and David L. (Dian) of Humboldt TN. She is survived by her sons Thomas J. Jr. (Frances) of Tullahoma and Timothy H. (Kathy) of Arizona/Alaska, cousin, Robert Burke of St. Petersburg FL, nephew Matthew Howe and niece Pam Howe. She is also survived by her grandchildren Corey (Nicki) of Brentwood TN and Jeremy (Lindsay) of Murfreesboro TN, along with three great-grandchildren Ella, Natalie, and Camden.

Bobbie was a homemaker but enjoyed interacting with people, so she often worked part-time jobs including jewelry salesclerk, Crimm’s Florist, and the Fireside and Patio Shop. She enjoyed spending time tending to her flowers, shopping, dining, and especially the company of several longtime friends and neighbors.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to Lorie Perry of Home Today Healthcare for her months of dedicated and loving care, all the compassionate and caring staff at Compassus Hospice, and to Brookdale Senior Living for their patience and flexibility.

Visitation was held at Tullahoma Funeral Home followed by the funeral on Monday, July 7. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Tullahoma Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – July 9, 2025