Clara Jene Gunnels Barsness, 82, lovingly known as “Jene”, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 10, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Allons, TN, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose warmth and generosity touched all who knew her.
Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the Livingston Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday May 15, from the Livingston Methodist Church.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan Maynard, Andy Gunnels, Alex Gunnels, Aeric Gunnels, Brandon Gunnels, Joshua Gunnels, Sam Officer andCade Pritchett.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Dennis Barsness; her parents Harry and Ina Mary Gunnels and her cherished nephew, Jeremiah Maynard.
Survivors include her two daughters, Bethany Barsness Strickland and her favorite son-in-law, Steve Strickland, Blackshear and Jordan Barsness, Cookeville TN. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Bennett, Ryan, Campbell and Beau Strickland, who were the absolute joys of her life. Jene and Dennis never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, whether at soccer games, football fields, golf matches, graduations or any milestone worth celebrating. She also leaves behind her sweet sister, Reba (Gerald) Maynard, Livingston; loving brothers James (Jerekay) Gunnels, Mt. Juliet, TN and David (Debbie) Gunnels, Livingston and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jene married the love of her life, Dennis, April 12, 1968. From the moment they met, it was truly love at first sight, and together they built a beautiful life marked by nearly six decades of devotion, laughter, perseverance and unwavering love. Hand in hand through every season of life, they were a perfect example of commitment and partnership. And as anyone who knew Dennis would surely agree, Jene deserved sainthood status for lovingly putting up with him all those years, a testament to both her patience and her wonderful sense of humor.
She dedicated her professional life to helping other through her work in the medical insurance field, serving for many years at Overton County Medical Center and later alongside Dr. Gray Smith until her retirement. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the countless patients she helped over the years.
She found her greatest happiness in caring for others. She was an exceptional cook, known for opening her home and table to friends and family. Her meals were more than food; they were an expression of love, hospitality, and community. Cooking was her love language and her recipes will continue to be cherished by all those who were blessed to sit at her table or enjoy a jar of her legendary candied jalapeños.
A gifted and prolific artist, Jene she many hours in her basement studio creating meaningful works for those she loved. From hand-painted holiday decor to custom birth samplers, each piece reflected her thoughtful spirit and creative talent.
Music was another great love in Jene’s life. Whether gathered on the shores of Dale Hollow Lake, enjoying live performances at local venues or filling a friend’s living room with laughter and song, music was always woven into the moments she cherished most. She especially loved all genres of music and the simple joy of people coming together to share it.
For her 80th birthday, Jene celebrated in the most fitting way possible, surrounding herself with family, friends and the sound of local bluegrass musicians filling her home with music and happiness. It was more than a party; it was an evening full of love, storytelling, laughter and togetherness. A memory that everyone fortunate enough to be there will cherish forever.
Her life was a testament to love, service, creativity and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories shared around her table.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Dennis Barsness Memorial Scholarship through the Overton County Educational Foundation: 2632 Bradford Hicks Drive, Livingston TN 38570.
Speck Funeral Home of Livingston, TN, is handling arrangements. A special thanks to Pearson-Dial Funeral Home for additional care in Blackshear.
