Barbara Jean Tyrrell

Barbara Jean Tyrrell, 85, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Barbara was born on April 26, 1941, in Guymon, Oklahoma, to Ruby McClellan Poling and Clifford Poling, and grew up in Amarillo, Texas.

After joining the United States Navy, Barbara met James “Jim” Tyrrell, beginning a love story that would span over 65 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, adventure, laughter, and travel.

Barbara was known by many names: Barb, Butch, Mom, Grandma, GiGi, and even Bella. While living in Naples, Italy, strangers on the street would often call her “Bella”—beautiful—a name that suited her both inside and out.

Barbara had a deep love for softball and was a fierce shortstop—a fitting position, her family likes to say, because she was short, and she always stopped the ball. That same quickness followed her off the field. Barbara was known for her wit and quippy comebacks, and you could always count on her to have something clever to say.

A graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, Barbara worked hard throughout her life. Through her own service in the Navy and later as a Navy wife and mother, she traveled the world and created a home for her family wherever life took them.

Of all the places she lived, Naples, Italy, held a special place in her heart and remained her favorite. The Lowcountry of South Carolina was a close second, and Barbara and Jim eventually planted their roots in the warmth of Charleston—a fitting choice for a woman who despised being cold.

Barbara loved welcoming family and friends into her home and was a wonderful hostess. She happily prepared meals for those she loved, always making sure everyone felt welcome, cared for, and well fed.

Barbara was a proud member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she generously gave her time as a volunteer.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby McClellan Poling and Clifford Poling, and her sister, Patricia Poling.

She is survived by James “Jim” Tyrrell, her devoted husband of 65 years, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, family, laughter, and treasured memories; her beloved daughters, Lynn Morris (David) of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Toni Duncan (Mark) of Summerville, South Carolina; and her siblings, Harold Poling (Rita) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Wayne Poling (the late Debbie) of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Linda Poling Catlin (the late Jeff) of Willis, Texas.

She is also survived by her grandsons, Nick Kierpiec (Jamie) of Summerville, South Carolina; Wesley Hall (Lauren) of Greenville, South Carolina; Matthew Caruso of Summerville, South Carolina; James Bradley Hall of Wilmington, North Carolina; and Patrick Duncan (Jessica) of Summerville, South Carolina.

Barbara especially treasured being Grandma and GiGi to her ten great-grandchildren: Wyatt Kierpiec, Wakefield Kierpiec, Annie Kierpiec, Rowan Hall, Warner Hall, Madelyn Caruso, Samuel Alexander, Karliah Duncan, Harper Duncan, and John Duncan. She shared a special bond with them and was a constant presence at birthdays, holidays, family celebrations, and all the moments in between.

Barbara also deeply loved her Michigan family, including her brothers-in-law, Johnny, Mickey, and Pat, and her sisters-in-law, Suzanne, Joanne, and the late, wonderful Diane. She treasured her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with dear friends who became family over the years.

A Catholic Funeral Mass is planned for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 510 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 510 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Goose Creek.