WILMINGTON — Barbara Jean Tanner (Bateman), 65, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on November 3, 2026, following a long battle with a devastating neurological illness.
Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Barbara attended college in Plattsburgh, where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Bateman. Married in July 1981, they began their life together in Quebec, Canada, where they welcomed their two children, before moving to Burlington, Vermont, and eventually settling in Wilmington, North Carolina, 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, reflecting her intelligence, determination, and strong work ethic. She began her nursing career caring for elderly patients in their final years of life before transitioning to public health and eventually school nursing, where she found great joy in caring for children.
A devoted Jehovah’s Witness, Barbara was baptized alongside Bob in 1982. She remained active in her congregation throughout her life, attending meetings virtually when her health no longer allowed her to attend in person. While living in Vermont, she learned sign language to help interpret meetings for deaf brothers and sisters, a reflection of her generous spirit. Her shared faith with Bob was a source of strength and comfort, and they held firmly to the Bible’s promise of a resurrection to a paradise earth, where they believed they would one day be reunited.
Barbara was a talented seamstress with a creative spirit who enjoyed sewing, crafting, playing piano, and collecting Barbie dolls. Among her many projects was an intricate colonial-style wooden dollhouse she lovingly assembled. She also enjoyed gardening and keeping busy with projects around the house.
Above all, Barbara cherished her family. She worked tirelessly to create a comfortable, loving home and took great pride in caring for those closest to her. Her beautiful eyes, radiant smile, and joyful laugh were as memorable as her strength, resilience, and loving heart.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Bateman of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Sheena Bateman (fiancé Zach Camp) of Wilmington, NC; son, Robert (Robby) Bateman of Vancouver, BC; sister, Mary Beddard (James) of Williamsburg, VA; brother, Ronald Tanner (Susan) of Divide, CO; first-cousin Karen Curulla (John) of Syracuse, NY; as well as many nieces, and nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Frances (Michalowski) Tanner.
Throughout her final years, Barbara was lovingly cared for by Bob, whose tireless devotion reflected the extraordinary love they shared. Though her illness brought immense challenges, Barbara’s life was so much more than her disease. She will be remembered for her determination, compassion, many talents, and the love she gave so freely.
For Bob and those who share Barbara’s faith, there is comfort in the promise found at Revelation 21:3–4, of a time when pain, suffering, and death will be no more. They look forward with hope to the day when Barbara will be restored to life on a paradise earth, where they can be reunited once again.
A Memorial Service will be held on November 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4806 Gordon Road, Wilmington. If you would like to send flowers for her Memorial, please send to her daughter Sheena Bateman at 7221 Morley Court, Wilmington NC 28411.
