Barbara Jean Bartley, 83, of Fairland, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Heritage House Rehabilitation Center in Shelbyville.

The daughter of William Payton Sharp and Florine Gravens Beeker, she was born December 1, 1939, in Barren County, Kentucky. On March 11, 1960, she married J. C. Bartley.

He preceded her in death on August 9, 2017. 

Spending her life in service of caring for others, Barbara was last employed by David Lee Smith, MD, a former chief of OB/GYN at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. In addition, she enjoyed curating primitive-era home décor and spending time with her family and friends. As far back as her early teenage days, she became drawn to cosmetology, style, and fashion and considered it one of her best forms of self-expression. 

Barbara was a member of the former Brookside United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN, and is survived by her daughter, Tonie Wilson, of North Port, FL; son, BK Bartley of Baltimore, MD; and her best friends for life, sisters, Brenda Thacker of Indianapolis, IN, and Lou Beeker-Schultz, of Carmel, IN, care aide, Gretchen McDonald, of Fairland. Many beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive her. Known for her outgoing charisma, she always lived full of life and will be truly missed by those left to cherish her memory. 

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at Freeman Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St, Shelbyville.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Washington Park East Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Online condolences may be shared with Barbara’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.