Barbara Jean McAfee

Barbara Jean McAfee, 90, of Lebanon, passed away on Thursday February 20, 2025 in her daughter’s home in Hermitage, Tennessee. She was born on February 2, 1935 in Whitestown, Indiana and had recently celebrated her 90th birthday with family. She was the daughter of the late Atla O. Jervis and Margaret (Berry) Jervis.             

Jean spent her childhood years enjoying her picturesque country  home with her parents, three siblings, friends, and animals. Her adventurous nature and zest for life began as a young child. When Jean was sixteen, she met the love of her life, James McAfee, while roller skating at The Whitestown Skating Rink. They married on August 21, 1954 while he was a pharmacy student at Purdue University in Lafayette, IN.  They moved to Danville, IN where he worked as a pharmacist, and she first experienced her lifelong career as “The Best Mother” in the hearts of her children. She graduated from Zionsville High School in May 1953.

Jean and Jim moved to Indianapolis, South Bend, and Walkerton, Indiana before settling in Lebanon the spring of 1963. They continued to raise their four children in their local church and small town community. Jean was her children’s role model, Girl Scout leader, Bible class teacher, and second mother to their friends. She was a caring neighbor and a friend to all. She became an avid golfer, was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed traveling with her family. She especially enjoyed the beaches in Vero Beach, FL (where she and Jim resided during winters for many years) and The Smoky Mountains of TN. Fourth of July celebrations became special, annual events in their home of 55 years on Terrace Lane in Lebanon. In recent years, she has resided in the Meadow Wings Condominium neighborhood.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Christ in Lebanon, IN and Vero Beach, FL. She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her husband, Dr. James McAfee preceded her in death on June 27, 2024. Her brother Tom Jervis is also deceased. Her survivors include four children: Diana (McAfee) Gerling of Hermitage, TN, James McAfee, Jr. (wife Dana) of Paducah, KY, Kimberly (McAfee) Wheeler (husband Tim) of Maryville, TN, and Pamela (McAfee) Lynch of Palm Harbor, FL. Her grandchildren are Jennifer Walker Sorrow, Seth Walker, Danielle Driver (Ryan), James McAfee, III (Tina), Caleb Robinson (Agata), Taylor Robinson (Chelsea), Alex Robinson, Erin Lane (Garrett), Joseph Wheeler, Isaiah Wheeler, Anthony Wheeler, Tristan Wheeler, Timothy Wheeler, Bella Wheeler, and Morgan Lynch. Her great grandchildren are Kendall Sorrow, Cole Sorrow, Abrahm Sorrow, Benjamin Driver, Baylor Driver, Bristol Driver, Quincy McAfee, Maia Robinson, Sebastian Robinson, Audrey Robinson, Charley Robinson, Isla Jean Lane, and Rhys Wheeler. Other survivors include her two sisters JoAnn (Jervis) Weddle and Joyce (Jervis) Greene, two sisters-in-law Ann Tranter (son Jeremy) and Mary Jervis, plus many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was a wonderful Christian woman who will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who had the opportunity to know her.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 2-4pm at The Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street. Lebanon, IN 46052 (765) 485-2700.

We encourage you to wear blue in honor of our mother’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jean’s favorite charity: The South Knoxville Church of Christ Homeless Mission. 4604 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 (865) 577-9036.