Orma Lillian Barrows

In Loving Memory of Orma Barrows

February 4, 1951 - August 22, 2026

Orma Barrows, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family at her side on August 22, 2026. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, memories, friendships, and people whose lives she touched in ways that will never be forgotten.

Orma was born on February 4, 1951, in Milford, Connecticut, to the late Ormond and Gladys Barrows. Although she was born in Connecticut, Florida was always home to her heart. She was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and her love for the Sunshine State stayed with her throughout her entire life.

Orma eventually made her way to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where she raised her daughter, Nikole, and her son, Jasen, and built a life and career that she was proud of. Oak Ridge became home to her and her children, and it was there that she spent more than 25 years working for Enrichment Federal Credit Union as a Training Coordinator.

Her years at Enrichment were about much more than a career. She built lifelong friendships with coworkers and colleagues who became like family to her. Many of those friendships continued long after her retirement and even after she moved back to Florida, a testament to the genuine connections she made throughout her life.

After retiring, Orma fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams by moving back to Florida to enjoy her retirement in the place her heart had always called home. She loved the beach; it was her happy place. The ocean, the warmth, and the feeling of being back in Florida brought her peace and happiness.

Orma was also a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan. She loved her Dolphins and proudly carried that loyalty with her through every season. Her passion for her team was just one of the many things that made her uniquely Orma.

But above everything else, Orma was a mother and grandmother, and there was nothing she loved more than her family.

Orma raised Nikole and Jasen in Oak Ridge, dedicating herself to creating a loving home and a life filled with memories. She was also a bonus mom to Josh Lynch, who spent summers with the family and shared a special place in her heart.

Orma loved her children fiercely, but there was a special tenderness in the way she loved her only grandchild.

To Jada Pendergrass, she was simply Gran, and Jada was her Pumpkin.

Being Gran was one of the greatest joys of Orma's life. She absolutely adored her Pumpkin, and their bond was one of the most beautiful relationships in her life. Jada was her joy, her baby, and a source of immeasurable love and happiness. Orma poured her heart into being Jada's Gran, creating memories and a connection that Jada will carry with her for the rest of her life.

Orma was also a cherished sister and aunt. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ormond and Gladys Barrows, and her siblings, John Corbett, Maureen C. Zinowski, Judith Mero, Robert Barrows, and Alan Barrows.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Nikole Lynch; her sons, Jasen Lynch and Josh Lynch; Tre Pendergrass; and her beloved granddaughter, Jada Pendergrass. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Marion Zinowski, Stephanie Asher, Kas Asher, Dr. Patricia Mero Keefe, James Mero, and Timothy Mero, along with extended family and the many lifelong friends she made throughout her life.

The family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Shalom Hospice for the extraordinary compassion, dignity, and love shown to Orma and her family during her final days. A special thank you goes to Ashlynne Wilson and Jessica Fischer, whose care and presence meant more than words can adequately express. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication brought comfort to Orma and her family during an incredibly difficult time, and their care will never be forgotten.

Orma leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, laughter, and family. She loved her family fiercely. She loved Florida. She loved the beach. She loved her Miami Dolphins.

And to all who knew and loved Orma, she will forever be remembered as a woman who loved deeply, laughed often, formed lifelong friendships, and made an unforgettable mark on the people fortunate enough to know her.

Rest peacefully, Momma. Until we meet again.

Your Sweetheart will love you forever.

Your Pumpkin will carry your love forever.

And your family and friends will never stop missing you.

Always loved and forever missed. 🕊️🤍