About Us

N HER FOOTSTEPS

N Her Footsteps is a charitable organization committed to supporting children, educators, and underprivileged families in Jefferson County. Inspired by our family matriarch, Barbara Jean Mills Sheets, whose dedication to the community drives us, we aim to address educational and socio-economic disparities through targeted programs and partnerships.

N Her Footsteps is focused on ensuring that every child and teacher in Jefferson County has access to the resources, support, and community they need to succeed. With our mission—“Providing essential resources and community support to help students thrive and teachers focus on learning”—we strive to alleviate financial pressures on families and educators while building a stronger, more interconnected community.

Our objective is to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, teachers, and families in Jefferson County by improving access to education, resources, and assistance. We offer scholarships to deserving students in Jefferson County, supporting their pursuit of higher education and vocational training, thus empowering them to achieve their academic and career goals. Additionally, N Her Footsteps organizes annual back-to-school initiatives to provide students and teachers with essential school supplies, including notebooks, pens, backpacks, and other educational resources.

OUR MISSION

Providing essential resources and community support to help students thrive and teachers focus on learning.

OUR VISION

A community where every child learns without limits and every teacher teaches without financial burden.

Barbara Jean Mills Sheets was born and raised in Jefferson City, Tennessee, as the eldest of four girls. In her early years, she was perceived as intelligent but reserved. She married her high school sweetheart and had three children. Barbara was actively involved in her small church, taking on various roles like usher, deaconess, Sunday school teacher and trustee. She also initiated and managed the children's Bible lessons and organized Christmas programs. Her love for Bible study led her to attend sessions in another church and other groups.

Apart from her church duties, Barbara was a dedicated bowler, participating in leagues for over 40 years and serving as an officer. Her commitment to serving others led her to run for office, and she served as a county commissioner in Jefferson County for more than two decades. Barbara prioritized her constituents, ensuring they were informed about programs and opportunities that could benefit them, even providing transportation when needed.

Known as the matriarch of her family, Barbara's generosity and resilience were evident to all who knew her. Despite battling cancer four times, including colon and pancreatic cancer, she maintained a positive attitude and continued her community service. Her determination to serve others, even during her health challenges, inspired those around her. Barbara's unwavering dedication to serving others was a testament to her mission in life, leaving behind a legacy for others to follow in her footsteps.