Barbara Ann Silcox

Barbara Ann Silcox, age 83, of Shelbyville, passed away on a sunny Wednesday, May 15, 2013. She was surrounded by her family, her critters, flowers from her garden and her favorite music. She was a member of the Flat Creek United Methodist Church. Born in Camden, NJ, on October 14, 1929, she grew up in Hadden Heights, NJ where she played trumpet in the drum and bugle corps, was a gymnast and diver. She moved to Langhorne, PA to raise her 5 children, a huge garden, and lots of animals, including horses. She was a strong, energetic and adventurous woman with a love for travel. For years, throughout the summers, she bravely took her family on camping trips, packed in a station wagon, to see almost every state in the United States. Later in life, her passion for travel continued with the love of her life, Thomas Styer, traveling to every continent in the world. She became interested in flying, got her pilot’s license and she accumulated over 3,000 flying hours and obtained glider, multi-engine, instrument and commercial ratings. Barbara flew from Barrow, Alaska to Cape Horn, South America in their twin engine plane. She also competed in the classic all women’s air race across the United States. She was a member of the Ninety Nines, Experimental Aircraft Association, America Bonanza Society, Flying Farmers, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and a member of the Shelbyville Airport Authority. For 15 years, Barbara and Tom lived in the Florida Keys; where she became a certified open water scuba diver. Through her love of swimming and snorkeling, she created a coral reef tank by her dock, which became a favorite snorkeling spot for Floridians. Being an avid gardener, her tropical garden won Florida’s garden of the year. Barbara was active in numerous organizations. She was president of the Marathon Florida Keys Community Theater and was an actress in many of the plays, a member of the Naturist Society, Bedford County Historical Association, and sang with the Over-the-Hill Gospel Singers every Tuesday. She had an appreciation for the arts and was an artist, singer and dancer. Wherever she and Tom went, it was common to see her singing or dancing the waltz or two-step. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Barbara Bobo and John Maxwell Bobo, an Olympic diver, and her brother Jack Bobo. Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas W Styer III; brother Richard Bobo; daughter Virginia Silcox; daughter Diane Cohn and husband Alan; son David Silcox and wife Patricia; daughter Barbara Harper and husband Allan (A.D.), daughter Wendy S McPherson, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Honoring Barbara’s request, she will be cremated and the family will arrange a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers and to honor her love for animals, Barbara requested donations to be sent to the Bedford County Animal Control, 205 Lane Pkwy, Shelbyville, TN 37160

Barbara Ann Silcox

October 14, 1929 - May 15, 2013