Barbara Chism Sullivan

Barbara Ann Chism Sullivan

January 18, 1945 to May 20, 2026

Barbara started her journey as the oldest of three children, growing up in Tampa, Florida. She shared the same birthday with her father (who said she was his birthday present). She is survived by her two younger siblings, Dr. Grady (Bill) Chism and Dr. Patricia Land. When little, Barbara did most of the talking for Bill, which should surprise no one who knew her and how much she enjoyed talking. She traveled with Pat in her later years, using the moniker "the lovely Chism sisters" in many things, including a brick at the University of Florida under that name.

After attending the University of Florida College of Education, Barbara moved to Melrose, Florida due to a lifelong friendship with Donald and Reda Williams of Melrose, Florida. After having her first child, Dr. Jodi Sullivan, her family moved to Keystone Heights to their new home. After mustering up her courage to have another child, she welcomed Laura Sullivan Wykoff to the family. Barbara often said she would have had many more children if she had Laura first. Years later, she made good on this promise, and Jay Jay Gemma joined the family as the youngest child after Barbara served as his foster parent. Jay Jay was one of her students at Keystone Heights Jr-Sr High School. The children, used to her referring to so many of the people she ran into as "someone I taught in 7th grade" liked to note they were also all "people she taught in 7th grade". All children lay claim to the title of favorite child.

Barbara was an extremely proud grandmother. She won a long-time friendly rivalry with Reda Williams, a lifelong friend by having more grandkids for a total of 6. Barbara was known as "Grammy" to her loving grandchildren and would host a "Grammy Camp" yearly with the cousins at her lake house in Melrose, Florida. She is survived by her grandchildren in order of age: Hunter Wykoff, Elena Bassart, Chase Wykoff, Ty Wykoff, Serena Bassart, and Cecelia (CeeCee) Gemma. There was a special place for all her grandchildren in her heart, with all laying claim to being the favorite.

Barbara was a beloved teacher and member of the Keystone Heights community, including teaching multiple generations of local families over the many years she taught at KHHS. She was recently awarded the key to the city for Keystone Heights in honor of her many contributions to her community. She enjoyed serving others, and was very active in her church, Community Church, including the Back-to-School events, rummage sales, and food bank ministries. She had many friends from her years as a teacher and her work at the church, as well as other residents of the Park of the Palms. Many laid claim to being her favorite former student or friend.

Barbara left a legacy of love and service to her family and community. Most notably, she was a "mom" or "aunt baba" to so many outside her family. She had a way of making everyone feel they were her favorite or extremely special to her, which endeared her to many.

Barbara ended her journey with her children by her side at Haven Hospice in Palatka after a decades long battle with oral cancer. In death she knew she was surrounded by love of her family and leaving a legacy of service that had impacted many. The family respectfully asks for donations to Haven Hospice Foundation, which took amazing care of her in her last days, in lieu of flowers. https://havenhospice.com/donate