Obituary

We are mourning the loss of a beloved community member, Barbara Ann White. A loving mother, wife, and friend to all, Barbara passed away peacefully at age 65 of ALS. 

Barbara lived a beautiful and full life of service and care. All who knew her will remember her joyful spirit, quick wit, and compassionate heart. 

She worked for the federal government for 36 years and was a talented computer programmer, supporting the government’s systems. However, her life of service extended far beyond her career. 

As a mother, Barbara was tireless in her support and advocacy. If there was a need, she was quick to volunteer. Through volunteering on the swim team board, working with the church youth group, and volunteering on service trips with her church, Barbara inspired a love of service in her child and modeled love through commitment and enthusiasm. She loved being a mother, and she loved sharing activities of service together. 

Her love of service was rivaled only by a love of travel and community. Barbara was a deeply loving friend, and some of her most precious memories are of travels with her chosen family and husband and child. She visited all 50 states and 40 different countries across 4 continents. Not bad for a country girl. 

Retirement offered an opportunity to spend more time traveling and more time in service. She was a passionate champion in caring for those experiencing houselessness in Winchester, and worked hard volunteering and serving on the board of the Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (WATTS) and her church not only to alleviate the pain and struggle of houselessness, but also to highlight the humanity of those living on the streets. Barbara made sure to call everyone she knew by name, to share a sweet story or hug, and to show them that they were loved, dignified, and worthy of respect. Her gift for inspiring joy in others will not soon be forgotten. 

After she was diagnosed with ALS, she became a strong advocate for a cure and for the rights of other patients. Even as her energy and physical ability began to decline, she raised money and awareness of the disease and was still building community among caregivers, families, and those diagnosed with ALS. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Floy Belle. She is survived by her child Jennifer and son-in-law Matthew, her chosen family Susan Rausch and Roxanne Andersen, and her husband Steve. They shared 38 beautiful years together.

She will live on forever in memories of her smile, her laugh, her faith, her love of all people. She was a remarkable mother, wife, and friend. She was a remarkable human being. We have all been made better, softer, and more compassionate by knowing her. 

A memorial service will be held at Braddock Street United Methodist Church in Winchester, Virginia on June 12 at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested donations be made in her memory to: 

Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (WATTS)

P.O. Box 2936

Winchester, Virginia 22604

https://watts-homelessshelter.org/

Team Gleason Foundation

P.O. Box 24493

New Orleans, LA 70184

https://teamgleason.org/donate/ 

The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter

4 N. Blount Street Suite 200

Raleigh, NC 27601

http://webnc.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NC_homepage