Deena Davis Barbee, 68, went to be with the Lord June 29, 2017, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  She passed away at her residence in Brandon, surrounded by her family and close friends. Despite the sudden decline in her health just weeks before she passed, her spirit remained intact. Deena loved life and life loved her. She was best known for her spunkiness, quick wit, and contagious laugh. She was a people person who could befriend someone in just one conversation. No one ever left her presence without a laugh!  Deena had a zest for life that was never easily ignored.  She was the ultimate hostess and always the life of the party. Deena loved to read, watch movies, and give her solicited advice to friends and family on house décor, clothing, and jewelry selections. She was honest (sometimes maybe a little too much), passionate, and zealous in everything she did and everyone she loved.

Deena was born September 1, 1948, in Greenwood, Mississippi to Hiram Lawah "Sonny" Davis and Jewel Dean Black.  She graduated West Tallahatchie High School in 1967. On July 1, 1977, she married her soulmate and the love of her life, Bill Barbee, who preceded her in death in 2013. She was predeceased by her father and mother, and her nephew, William Allen Powell, Jr.

Deena leaves behind two daughters, Jessica Barbee Ruth (Danny) of Grenada and Lisa Barbee Nooe (Grant) of Brandon; a sister, Brendi Davis of Grenada; mother-in-law, Bobbie Barbee of Gulfport; four grandsons, Danny Ruth (Carlye) of Clinton, Nicolas Ruth of Grenada, Matthew Nooe of Jackson, and Aden Nooe of Brandon; one granddaughter, Kristen Nooe of Hattiesburg; numerous nieces and nephews; her long time best friend and caregiver, Ann Manscoe Fretz of West Point; and countless other friends who loved her dearly.

We give thanks for her fun and loving legacy, knowing today she rejoices with "her Bill" and Heavenly Father, completely whole and healed, just in time for their 40th Wedding Anniversary. We like to think she left us two days early, so she'd have time to coordinate her clothes, her bling, and her makeup for her big reunion with Billfold.

Visitation will be held in Grenada at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at 1:00 pm, with the Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, with food and fellowship to follow at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).