Barbara Ann (Hughes) Tippit, 76, of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.
Barbara was born January 15, 1949, in Paris, Tennessee, the daughter of Robert Leon and Evelyn Hughes. She married Freddy Tippit on November 22, 1968, at Eternity Baptist Church in Centralia, and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by her three daughters: Michele Tippit and fiance Adam Nehrt of Swansea, Laura Mayer and husband Brent of Centralia, Jennifer Zink and husband Josh of Louisville; five grandchildren: Lexi Lawson and husband Mike, Avery Mayer and Luke Mayer, all of Centralia, and Mila Zink and Ledger Zink of Louisville; one great-grandson, Lincoln Lawson of Centralia; a brother: Reggie Hughes and wife Debby of Old Hickory, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, David Tippit.
Barbara grew up on her family farm in the Springville, TN area. She spent several of her younger years in Centralia, where she met Freddy in grade school. Barbara’s family moved back to Tennessee in her sophomore year of high school, while Freddy’s family moved to Arizona the same year. They kept in contact over their high school years and were engaged and married one week before Freddy left for basic training in the United States Air Force in 1968. As Freddy was stationed all over the country, Barbara was able to join him at most of his locations, including Mississippi, South Carolina, Kansas, Arizona, and Hawaii, where they made many great memories.
After returning to Centralia, Barbara worked at Old National Bank for several years. Most of her working career, though, was at Centralia City Hall, where she retired in 2014 as the deputy city clerk. Barbara’s friends and coworkers from the City meant a lot to her, as her children and many of her coworkers’ children grew up together.
Barbara enjoyed shopping, eating out, going on road trips, attending her grandchildren’s events, and watching the Discovery Channel. She loved listening to her brother Reggie’s stories and often told him he should have been a writer; his storytelling always brought her such joy. Family gatherings were her favorite times, where she was usually at the center, sharing stories and her wonderful homemade desserts. Even in her final days, she was surrounded by her family and laughter, still cracking jokes and bringing smiles to those she loved most. Barbara’s family was her greatest joy, and her love and warmth will live on in their hearts forever.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Josh Zink speaking. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shop with a Cop. They will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Barbara’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
