Barbara R. Grubbs

Barbara R. Grubbs, 87, of Spartanburg passed away at home December 23, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Born September 28, 1936, in Pacolet Mills, SC, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Nettie Hendley Rice.

Barbara, affectionately and lovingly known as “Barb” to those who knew her best, graduated from Pacolet High School in 1955. After high school she entered Nurses Training. In 1958 she graduated as an RN from Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing.  Barb began her nursing career on Med/Surge at Spartanburg General Hospital. At the time Med/Surge served mostly the less fortunate. Barb often spoke of her time spent on Med/Surge respectfully and with a tender heart, helping those who were unable to help themselves.  Later on, she served as Asst. Director of Nursing at Spartanburg Convalescent Center. Over her career she served in several administrative positions, but her true love was hands on patient care.  After 25 plus years of nursing, she retired from the Family Birthing Center at Mary Black Hospital in 1996, where she was a well-respected post-partum nurse.

Barb was of the Episcopal faith.  She was a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.  Early on she served on the Pastoral Care Ministry writing cards to shut ins. She was often told her beautifully handwritten cards, with words from her heart and familiarity with the Bible, could have rivaled Hallmark. Many who received her cards were truly touched by them. 

Barb was an avid reader.  She read the Bible multiple times, highlighting and taking notes as she read.  Her book collection included Bibles, history books, a variety of novels and more.

Another love of Barb’s was music. Her music collection spanned many genres and artists, from Luciano Pavarotti, to Willie Nelson, Gladys Knight, Elton John, and the list goes on. Unbeknownst to her, for Christmas she was going to be surprised with front row seats to the upcoming Gladys Knight concert in Spartanburg. She loved to dance as well and was quite the shagger back in the day.

Barb loved animals, especially dogs. Andy, her Scottish Terrier and Beauregard “Beau”, her standard poodle, both of which had passed, remained forever in her heart. She particularly enjoyed watching dog shows. In addition to being able to identify most dogs presented, she could always give you some bit of interesting information about their history.

Barb was a stoic individual who always rose to the occasion when her strength was needed to support those around her, particularly her children.  Not only was stoicism a strength of hers and for those around her, she also had a quick wittedness that was loved by many.  When superlatives were given to the seniors in Nurses Training, Barb was voted Wittiest.

Her wealth of knowledge about the Bible, history, current events, dogs, nursing, music and musicians, movies and actors were amazing. She was never one to boast, but if ever asked, she was more than happy to share her knowledge with others.

A special thank you to those who provided support and comfort to Barbara and her family during her time of illness, Candy Banks, Brett Blanchard, Kay Cook, Kim Phillips Easler, Decie Foster, Peggy Phillips and Lisa Robinson. To Barb’s son-in-law Brad, there are no words to express the gratitude for the gentleness, love, compassion, hands on care and peaceful support that you selflessly provided before and during her illness.

Survivors include her son Tad Grubbs (Allen), her daughter Bliss Harley (Brad), two special granddaughters, Sabrina Harley and Christen Harley (Shannon), a special great nephew, Tyler McGraw (Jillian). Along with her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her sister, Margaret “Marg” Cook, and four brothers, Billy Rice, Bob Rice, James Rice and Ken Rice.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 20, 11:00 am at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, officiated by the Rev’d Beth Hendrix.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 400 Dupre Drive, Spartanburg SC, 29307 or Nurses Honor Guard, www.nurseshonorguard.com  Follow the link and scroll to the bottom of the page to donate.

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel