Nashville -

Barbara Jean Cash Abernethy, age 82, passed away peacefully and went into God's Heavenly Kingdom Monday, December 15, 2025. She was born September 10, 1943 in Tarboro, NC to Joseph Warren Cash and Leona Joyner Cash. She was preceded in death by parents; brother, Joseph Warren Cash Jr.; sisters, Louise Cash, Marjorie Cash Smith, Shirley M. Cash, and Patricia Ann Cash Marsh.

She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 60 years, Alfred Wallace Abernethy; sister, Myrtle Cash Sanders (Charles); sister-in-law, Phyllis A. Hardee (Ted); nephews, Joseph Sanders (Emmie), Fred Sanders, Chris McGilvary, Lewis Hardee III (Vanessa); niece, Amy McGilvary, great-nephew, Lewis Hardee IV and great-niece, Claire Hardee.

After graduating from Red Oak High School in Nash County, Jean started a career in accounting and finance first with James W. Cobb Co. CPA then to Peoples Bank and Trust Co. where she was an Assistant VP and Assistant Trust Officer. After attending N C Wesleyan College, she went to work for First Carolina Communications as Assistant Vice President & Director of Management Information Systems. After leaving the Business World, she opened her own Arts and Crafts store at Rocky Mount - West End Plaza where she taught many classes on varied subjects. After retirement, being a faithful Member of Nashville Methodist Church for more than sixty years, she became active in the church, serving in many committees and projects and was appointed Finance Secretary.

She enjoyed many hobbies, was an accomplished Artist and Craftsman

She was a dog lover and the mother to her dear Cocker Spaniel Fur Babies, Sandy, Taffy and Lady.

The family will host a memorial service on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Nashville Methodist Church, 209 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC in the church Sanctuary at 1:00pm with the Pastor Scott Dodson officiating. Visitation with family and friends will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm after the service in the Gathering area of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jean's memory to Nashville Methodist Church, PO Box 86, Nashville, NC 27856.

The family would like to offer a great love and thanks to Sara Warren, her staff, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Nash General for their care of Jean the last few months.