Barbara "Barbi" Morris-Irby

Barbara "Barbi" Morris-Irby, a beloved teacher in Daviess County Schools, passed away Tuesday, April 2, at UK HealthCare. Born on July 27, 1973, Barbi's impact on the young minds she taught extended far beyond the classroom. She dedicated herself to instilling values of kindness and love, leaving a lasting impression on all those she encountered.

Barbi's commitment to education was evident through her academic journey. She attended McLean County High School, Brescia University, and Indiana Wesleyan, where she earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and Rank 1 degrees. She went on to teach for almost 22 years in McLean and Daviess County Schools; Sacramento Elementary from August 2002 to July 2008, then to Calhoun Elementary from July 2007 to June 2018 and finally at Sorgho Elementary from June 2018 to now. Her passion for teaching was matched only by her love for her faith and family.

Beyond her career, Barbi was actively involved in the youth ministry and fellowship committee at Yellow Creek Baptist Church. 

In addition to her dedication to education and faith, Barbi found joy in traveling with her family and friends. Destin and Disney World held special places in her heart. She was always someone you could count on and was an amazing cheerleader. Her lively spirit shone through in everything she did - from donning red nail polish to spreading cheer through decorating her Christmas trees. Barbi loved celebrating her children’s birthdays and Halloween with great flair and excitement. We know she is dancing with Jesus, celebrating, and worshiping Him.

Those who proceed her in death include her mother, Linda Morris; two brothers, Bruce Wayne Morris, and Byron Keith Morris; her brother-in-law, Dean Smith; and her mother and father-in-law John & Joyce Irby.

Barbi leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Mark Irby; children, Bella and Shepard Irby, whom she adored with all her heart; father, William “Billy” Morris, of Calhoun; two sisters, Beth Morris Smith, of Owensboro, and Clara Johnson (Wayne), of Central City; a brother-in-law, Houston Irby (Elizabeth), of Oregon; nephews, Matthew Morris (Erin), of Owensboro, and Johnny Irby, of Oregon; four nieces, Amelia Irby, of Oregon, Taylor Morris McFall (Daniel), of McDaniels, Jessica Benningfield (Greg), of Bremen, Gabby Smith, of Owensboro; and great niece, Autumn Benningfield. 

In honor of Barbi’s life and legacy, a funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday with burial following at Yellow Creek Cemetery.Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, Tuesday.  Service and visitation will be at Yellow Creek Baptist Church, 5741 KY-144, Owensboro, KY 42303.  Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contribution toward Yellow Creek Baptist Church children’s ministry.

May her memory live on in the hearts of those she touched, leaving a lasting imprint on the world, family, and young minds she so deeply cared for.

Memories and condolences may be offered online at www.glenncares.com