Barbara (Parr) Bigam

Barbara Ann (Parr) Bigam was born in Lakewood, Ohio on April 23, 1952, to Robert Hamilton Parr and Martha Jean (Holcker) Parr. Growing up she helped out in the gift shop at her family’s local hardware store and spent many long summer nights enjoying her family’s cabins on nearby Walton Lake, where she also worked as a lifeguard. After graduating from Crestline High School, Barb went to Capital University, where she served as president of her sorority and majored in elementary education. It was there that she would meet her future husband, Greg. The two were married on June 22, 1974 and settled down in Circleville, Ohio, where they both began their careers.

Barb got her first and only teaching job at Walnut Elementary School. She was extremely gifted in teaching young children, and she especially loved teaching the 4th grade, which she always said was a pivotal time in a child’s life. Above all, she made her students feel loved, so it was no surprise how many times she was dubbed “my favorite teacher.” Barb’s loving and patient demeanor was also a hallmark in her role as a mother, as she joyfully and intentionally raised her three children, Melissa, Brian, and Matt.

Barb began battling health problems early in her life, but she continued to find ways around them in order to remain the beating heart of her family. She loved to cook and bake. She made every holiday and birthday magical. She was also a voracious reader—always pursuing knowledge—and always advocating the practice. She loved reading to her grandchildren, and we all loved the sound of her voice reading to us.

Barb finally escaped her earthly pain on September 9, 2024, at age 72. She is survived by her adoring husband, Gregory; daughter Melissa (Jeremy); sons Brian (Nicole) and Matthew (Kelsey); grandchildren Maddux, Lydia, Glavine, Lucia and Kimbrel; brother Robert Parr Jr. (Eileen); and many loving relatives and friends.

Barbara’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13 at the Community United Methodist Church in Circleville, Ohio. The family invites everyone in attendance to a celebration of life immediately following the services at Rhoadhouse 56 Event Venue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pickaway County Community Foundation. Please donate as a tribute to Barbara Bigam and in acknowledgement to “Friends of Parks” for our community’s future nature center.