Bobbie Tumlinson

Barbara Lynn (Bobbie) Martin Tumlinson, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, with family and close friends at her side. She leaves a loving legacy that includes her husband, daughter, generations of math students in her community, and adoring extended family members living across the country. Bobbie was born November 24, 1950, in Marks, Mississippi, the second of two children of James Austin Martin and Marietta Brians Martin. She graduated from Marks High School in 1968 and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1972 from Mississippi State College for Women in Columbus. She went on to a nearly 30-year career teaching math at Oak Hill Academy and then at East Mississippi Community College. Bobbie embodied strength, generosity, integrity and love. Her students remember her passion for learning, patience and commitment to their success. She loved music and sang in the choir at the West Point First United Methodist church. Bobbie was an avid reader, gardener, and family historian. She loved to travel, give thoughtful gifts, tell funny stories, spend time with friends and family, and help anyone who needed it. Bobbie was a lifelong source of support to her husband, whom she adored and an inspiration to all who knew her. Bobbie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson, her daughter, Sara “Sally” Tumlinson Novak, son-in-law, Jason Novak, and her sister, Sara Martin English. She is preceded in death by her children, John Martin Tumlinson and Mary Gwendolyn Tumlinson. Bobbieʼs family owes a debt of gratitude to Freda Starnes Mackey who was Bobbieʼs caregiver and guardian angel in the waning years of her life.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, December 6th at Robinson Funeral Home. Pallbearers will include Sonny Jameson, Brian Mackey, Tom Briggs, Cecil Ferrell, Steven Johnson, and Kyle Chandler IV. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Gerry Jeffcoat and David Waide. Visitation will be at Robinson Funeral Home from 5 to 7pm on Thursday, December 5th. A private interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.