Gale Barber

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gale “Big Momma” Eifert Barber on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Gale was born June 19, 1956 in Tarpon Springs to Wesley Eifert and Velma Barbour. Gale was a graduate of Tarpon Springs High School in Florida where she grew up. She spent most of her career working at a plant nursery in Oldsmar, Florida. She wanted to retire to the mountains which she accomplished by first moving to North Carolina before finding her forever home settled on a mountain top in Butler, Tennessee. Gale was a dedicated wife and mother. Her proudest moment was becoming a Big Momma. She also had a profound love for cats which brought her much joy and happiness.

Gale will be deeply missed by her husband of almost 39 years, Ted Barber, who stood by her side during the various chapters of life. She is also survived by her siblings, a brother, Wes Eifert and a sister, Laurna Perkins; sister-in-law, Carol Eifert and brother-in-laws, John Perkins and Eddie Fry; sons, James Minutello, Derrick Minutello, and Tyler Barber; daughter-in-laws, Hallie Minutello and Nikki Minutello; 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Susan Lemmons and Donna Fry; and brother-in-law, Ray Lemmons.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Mountain City Funeral Home.

The family of Gale Barber has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.