Elizabeth G Barringer

Betty Jane succumbed to her battle with pancreatic cancer on July 20, 2026 in Nashville at the age of 84. The eldest of five, Betty Jane was born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee and deeply cherished her upbringing and her family’s deep Franklin history. She was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and moved to Memphis after graduating. There, she fell in love with John Barringer, who would become her husband of 61 years. Their steadfast love created a lasting foundation for their cherished children, Jodie and John Barringer Jr. Betty Jane’s devotion to her family was one of many qualities to be admired.

She began her career as a college counselor at the St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis. An alum of the Harpeth Hall School, once life brought her family back to Nashville, naturally she established a career as a college counselor and academic advisor at her beloved alma mater.The career move married two of her passions, Harpeth Hall and helping empower women. Her career highlights included working in an environment where families and staff fostered thinking critically, leading confidentially, and living honorably. 

Betty Jane, the quintessential Southern belle, was an active socialite in both Memphis and Nashville. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to many organizations including Young Life, the Junior League, the Centennial Club of Nashville, the Garden Club of Nashville, and was a loyal member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. 

A lover of beauty, Betty Jane was an avid gardener, fierce Bridge player, passionate cook, fabulous hostess, artwork enthusiast and curious reader. She was a warm, zany, special soul having earned titles including Biscuit Queen by friends, Queen of the Franklin Rodeo, and Grammy by her grandchildren and great grandson. She felt like coming home. Her playful warmth and girl-ishness created a magnetizing orbit. She was charismatic and charming and deeply valued her friends and the relationships they built.

It is hard to imagine the world without her, and she will be missed terribly by her friends and family. 

Elizabeth “Betty Jane” Guffee Barringer is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William Barringer, adored daughter, Josephine (Jodie) Davenport Barringer, her cherished grandson, John William Barringer III and her parents Dr. Harry Jasper Guffee and Mrs. Dorothy Hyland Brady Guffee. She is survived by her cherished son, John William Barringer Jr.; her grandchildren, Libby Smith McLellan, Leila Barringer Smith, Carly Michelle Barringer; and great grandson, Porter Lee McLellan. A service to celebrate the amazing life of Betty Jane will be held on August 6th at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1:00pm with a visitation at 11:30 immediately prior to the service.