Barbara Sue (McKinney) Grindstaff, age 75, of Elizabethton, Tennessee went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center. Barbara was born January 10, 1951, in Bakersville, North Carolina to the Late Reverend Erby McKinney and Louise (Ward) McKinney. In addition to her parents, Barbara was also preceded in death by a sister, Debbie Radford and brother-in-law, Bruce Radford; her beloved son, Chad Grindstaff; and a nephew Scotty Radford.

Barbara was a wonderful and loving mother who deeply loved the Lord and was of the Baptist faith. She dedicated more than 50 years of her life to the field of dentistry, where she was known for her loyalty, strong work ethic, and compassion shown to her coworkers and patients. Barbara was extremely family-oriented and often became a mother figure to those who had lost their own, always striving to be what others needed; offering strength, guidance, and unwavering support when it was needed the most. She instilled that same strength in her own family, teaching them kindness and love through her example. Barbara found great joy in her grandsons, who were the light of her life, and cherished every moment spent with her family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Crystal Grindstaff of the home and Michelle Toombs and husband Jason of Johnson City; her grandchildren, Jackson Toombs, Murphy Toombs, Maximus Toombs, Ethan Toombs, and Noah Toombs; sister, Carolyn Duszak of Elizabethton; and a brother, Kenneth Grindstaff of Burnsville, North Carolina. A special adopted daughter, Teresa.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Barbara's life will be conducted at 11 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. The family will receive friends between the hours of 6 to 7 pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Chapel.

The family wishes to thank Ballad Home Health, the physical therapy staff and the respiratory staff, Princeton Rehabilitation, and the nurses at Johnson City Medical Center for the exceptional and compassionate care given to Barbara during her illness. Condolences may be sent to our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Grindstaff Family