Barbara McRae

From Jean Hunnicutt:
Among many other things, Barbara was a friend to the Bird Club – and to birds in general. She was one of the original organizers of the club and did several presentations at our meetings.

Her “Backyard Naturalist” columns were often about birds – particularly on the Greenway or in her own backyard. Her curiosity was boundless.  She had an eye for detail and for spotting birds/insects/butterflies/plants that the rest of us might have missed.

I’m hopeful the Franklin Press will re-issue her columns. I can’t imagine being without them each week.

I/we celebrate her life and feel so grateful for all she meant to us – and taught us – over the years.

From Franklin Mayor Bob Scott:

  Franklin and Macon County lost a wonderful public servant last night. Vice Mayor Barbara McRae passed away after a long and valiant battle against cancer.

She was our historian, champion of women’s rights, not afraid to take on any issue which would better the lives of us all. She wrote countless columns about our history and the natural world around us.

She knew the name of every plant and animal on the Greenway.

More than likely there is nobody around here whose family Barbara did not write about in some way. Helping us discover our heritage. Preserving our history. She supported the Macon County Heritage Museum. Wrote books about us and especially the Cherokee Nation. Her latest passion was the Women’s History Trail of which she will now be a part of the Trail itself. The Nikwasi Initiative would not be in existence without her steering it. She knew the value and significance of the Nikwasi Mound to the Town.

She served admirably as the Town’s Vice Mayor. Always willing to pitch in in any way. Never ever having a harsh word about any issue or person, regardless if she didn’t agree.Barbara was not a native. But she certainly now qualifies as one.

RIP Barbara. It will never be the same without you. Thanks for all you did for us. And preserving what makes us who we are.