Barbara Mae Massey, age 86, of the New Salem community on Lookout Mountain, passed away peacefully in Ringgold, Georgia, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, following a short illness.

A native of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Barbara spent her life rooted in the community she loved and called home. She was a member of Lookout Mountain United Methodist Church.

Barbara graduated from Chattanooga City High School and attended Tennessee Wesleyan College. She began her career as the school secretary for the former Airbase School on Lookout Mountain in Dade County. Later, she worked for many years in the marketing department of See Rock City before retiring after a long career in hospitality with the Tennessee Aquarium.

Barbara also cared deeply about preserving the beauty and heritage of Lookout Mountain. She was an early member of the Lookout Mountain Protection Agency, now known as the Lookout Mountain Conservancy, which was established to help preserve portions of the mountain from commercial development. She was also a great source of knowledge about the mountain’s history.

In recent years, Barbara found great joy and companionship in a close group of friends who gathered weekly for breakfast at the former Cafe 136. That circle of friends brought her a deep sense of belonging, and she treasured each of them dearly.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Joe Massey; mother, Lelia Mae McCallie; brothers, Robert E. Massey and Joe Massey, Jr.; sister, Caroline Palmgren; and nephew, Billy Massey.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Massey, as well as a niece and several nephews who will cherish her memory.

Per the family’s wishes, there will be no public funeral service or gathering. A private burial will be held for immediate family at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Barbara will be remembered for her quiet strength, kindness, devotion to her community, and the love she shared with her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.