The well lived life of Barbara Jane Bichon, age 74, ended on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Born on May 3, 1952, Barbara was the youngest daughter of Henry and Nida Jean Bichon. She was a lifelong resident of the Paducah area and graduated from Lone Oak High School where she enjoyed being part of the marching band.
After high school, Barbara continued her education at Paducah Community College where she earned her Associate Degree of Nursing, completed the KY Division for Mental Retardation Core Training, and graduated from Mid-Continent College through The Advantage Program with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.
Barbara's commitment to serve her community spanned many decades and touched countless lives. Starting as an Emergency Room staff nurse at Lourdes Hospital, she later became a Charge Nurse and a Senior Team Leader. After 17 years in the Emergency Room, Barbara took her compassion to the Hospice Program at Lourdes and finished her career with Baptist Home Health where she shared words of wisdom and encouragement as well as many loaves of banana bread with patients and their families.
During those years, Barbara also briefly owned a small lingerie business, Lavender and Lace, and homed several young ladies during transition times in their lives through an Easter Seals program. She was instrumental in starting The Clothing Closet at Trinity Baptist Church where she was a lifetime member.
Barbara had deep compassion for others and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She gave freely of her spirit, time, home, and resources to many in need. Barbara’s family and friends remember her as funny and loving with a huge heart for the “underdog”. Her whimsical side was evident in her love of Miss Piggy and the occasional “Moi?!”
Barbara is survived by her sister Katherine (Richard) Goode, her “borrowed" children and grandchildren, Cheryl Powley, Lorna Holly, Angel Kirby (Clay) Fisher and Skylar, Larry (Jamie) Kirby, Jr., and special friend David Kelly along with much loved nieces Ellen Holland (Lyle) Perry, Shea Holland (Jay) Cody, Sara Goode (Ryan) Kaye, nephews Brian Holland and Benjamin (Leslie) Goode and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Nida Bichon. Her oldest sister, Bonnie Bichon Holland, also passed away earlier this year.
The family would like to thank those special people who cared for her in her final days and those who offered their personal support as she bravely fought her battle against cancer.
Barbara herself wrote a note thanking everyone who said prayers, made phone calls, sent cards of comfort, and made visits during her very unexpected journey. In lieu of flowers, she asked that you please read The Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, then become the hands and feet of Jesus by going about and doing good. Her favor charities include World Central Kitchen, and locally, Paducah Cooperative Ministries, Paducah Community Kitchen and the Community Foundation.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Maplelawn Park Cemetery in Paducah with Pastor Jeff Gibson officiating.
Visitation for Barbara will be held from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Monday at Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
