Barbara Jean Tanner Bateman passed away on November 3, 2026, following a long battle with a devastating neurological illness.
Born in Syracuse, N.Y., Barbara met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Bateman, while attending college in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Married in July 1981, they raised their two children in Burlington, Vt., before relocating to Wilmington, N.C., in 2005.
Barbara was a devoted wife, loving mother and compassionate nurse. While raising her children, she earned her nursing degree from the University of Vermont. She started her career at Birchwood Terrace in Burlington, where she provided end-of-life care. After moving to North Carolina, she transitioned into public health and eventually into school nursing. She took great pride in her work and brought joy to the many she cared for.
A devoted Jehovah’s Witness, Barbara was baptized alongside Bob in 1982. While living in Vermont, she learned sign language to interpret congregation meetings for deaf brothers and sisters. Her faith remained strong throughout her life, and she and Bob share a firm belief in the Bible’s promise of a resurrection to a paradise earth, where they hope to be reunited.
Barbara will be remembered for her intelligence, beauty, determination, resilience and loving heart. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening and caring for others. Throughout her illness, she was lovingly cared for by Bob, whose unwavering devotion reflected their extraordinary love.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert Bateman; daughter, Sheena Bateman (fiancé Zach Camp); son, Robert “Robby” Bateman; sister, Mary Beddard (James); brother, Ronald Tanner (Susan); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Frances (Michalowski) Tanner.
A memorial service will be held at the Gordon Road Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses on November 14, 2026, in Wilmington, N.C.