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Barbara Harkins Bretherton, 68, of Atlanta Ga. died Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 in DeKalb Medical at North Decatur.
Born May 18, 1949, in Chattanooga, Tenn., she grew up in Chattanooga, but moved to Bradenton, Fla. in 1958. In 1967, she graduated from Northeast High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1967. She then moved to Atlanta in 1978 to work for WAGA-TV Channel 5.
In 1978, she met Martin, and they married in 1982. She had two children, Melissa and William, and was a loving mother and wife.
She was a news junkie up until the day she passed, and always had the newspaper around or the news on television. At different points in her life, she worked for former Atlanta City Councilman Richard Guthman, WTVT Channel 13, the National Bank of Georgia, Eagle Real Estate, Keller Williams and as a dental hygienist.
She was an avid sports fan of Georgia Tech and the University of Tennessee. Often, she would be the loudest fan in the room, yelling at the TV as if everyone could hear her. She loved to read, and poured through romance novels regularly. She enjoyed hearing about the latest celebrity gossip, and paid close attention to the lives of the rich and famous.
She collected shoes, but preferred comfort and function over fashion and form, especially in her later years. She loved to eat, and nothing in the world made her feel happier than a cheeseburger and a milkshake.
With Barbara, she always worked relentlessly in all things. In her career, she would work long hours and attempt to perfect every aspect of her job. As a wife and mother, she knew what was best for her husband and her children, and wouldn't let anyone tell her anything different - including her husband and her children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Louis Harkins and Katherine Anne Fogarty, and is survived by her husband, Martin, to whom she was married for 36 years; by her two children, Melissa and William Bretherton, both of Atlanta, Ga.; and by her older sister, Marlyn Harkins Clark of Port Ritchie, Fla.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 2PM at H.M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319. Following the service there will be a catered reception at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, 10701 Parkridge Blvd, Suite 170, Reston, Va. 20191 (www.sjogrens.org), or a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
January 31, 2018
EG
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 31, 2018
Martin,
I was saddened to her that your beloved wife passed away. I can't imagine the pain and sorrow you must feel in losing a nearly life-long partner. I am grateful that a got to know Barbara through our involvement with ITE. You and Barbara were so very kind and gracious to me. I remember fondly you all inviting me to lunch at your favorite restaurant during the GSITE summer meeting. Barbara was always bubbling with personality and so engaging to talk to. She made me feel comfortable being around her. I know you will miss her deeply so my thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids.
Hollis Loveday
January 30, 2018
Beth Ballauer
You and your family are in our prayers.
Chris and Beth
January 29, 2018
J C
Sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your beloved Barbara. May beautiful memories of happy times shared bring you peace and solace. May the God of all comfort sustain each of you during your time of mourning.
January 29, 2018
Ginny
Holding you all in the Light.
January 29, 2018
K C
May you have peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your loved one. The God of comfort is ready to comfort those broken in heart. My deepest sympathies to family and friends. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
January 29, 2018
Bob & Kelly Murphy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 29, 2018
May the God of all comfort be with the family members and close friends during this difficult time. - AH
January 29, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Isaiah 61:1+2
January 29, 2018
Deepest sympathies to the family of Barbara Bretherton. Acts24: 15
January 29, 2018
May the blessings from God comfort the family and give them peace and hope. John 25:8
Lillie
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2:00 p.m.
H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319
Funeral services provided by:
H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319
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