Early Sunday January 7, 2024 Orlean Ophelia Bauman ended her physical battle with cancer and entered into eternity. Orlean grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee enjoying a close relationship with her grandparents and extended family. She enjoyed many close friendships. Many of these loving relationships endured her entire lifetime — nurturing her even in her final hours.

She excelled in school, attended college at Austin Peay University and enjoyed traveling. She first married her high school sweetheart, Ron Gibson. They bought land and began their life together in Hickman County. Ron later died from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, leaving Orlean a young widow. She carried on with her life despite the loss and a few years later she met Bill Bauman.
Rick Wilson, a high school friend of Orlean and Ron invited her to Hawaii to vacation. Bill was his roommate. Orlean went to the beach with Bill one day and the rest, as they say, is history. Bill came for a visit to Tennessee— and never went back to Hawaii. When asked how he left paradise he blamed Orlean’s incredible homemade bread for his decision. They enjoyed 36 happy years together. Their daughter, Jessica, treasures the memories of her parents relationship— especially the laughter. In the summer of 2023, Orlean and Jessica took Bill’s ashes home to Hawaii. They celebrated his life in the places he loved together with old friends.

“Mrs. Bauman’s” legacy extends well beyond the walls of her home and into her community. Generations of students will remember her encouragement and her discipline. She remained a steadfast support to her fellow teachers and beloved sisters in Delta Kappa Gamma. After a very brief retirement she also found meaningful work with Women Are Safe. Her greatest work was undoubtedly as Grandmother— “Amma,” as she was called by her granddaughters. Time at home simply reading books, and baking cookies took on a deeper level of joy with Kailea and Lani. “The girls” infused her life with sweetness and meaning. She fought to stay with them as long as she could. Her family is devastated by the loss of their matriarch.

Orlean’s final wishes were that her cremated remains be scattered with Ronnie’s, atop a hillside near her home, and with Bill’s in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu.

Visitation will be Monday, January 22, from 3-8pm at McDonald Funeral Home in Centerville, Tennessee. Her memorial service will be held the following day, January 23rd at Trinity Episcopal Church in Clarksville, Tennessee. Attendees are welcome to arrive for early visitation at 1pm with the service starting at 2pm. A light reception will follow.