Barbara A. Barlow

Barbara A. Barlow went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sat., Sept 20th. Youngest of six children, she was born in Beaver Dam, WI on Mar 12th, 1941 to Phillip and Ruth Panetti.

Married to James Barlow in January 1960 – they traveled together extensively, as they served almost 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps: England, Ireland, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Albania, Switzerland, the Channel Isles, Bermuda, and many locations throughout the U.S.A. Barbara was a truly wonderful “Marine Corps Wife”, strong; dedicated, and devoted. In 1962, while her husband served in Japan; Barbara worked as a Nurse’s Aide at the ClearView Nursing Home/Health-Care-Facility, in Juneau, WI: During 1968-69, she devoted many hours of hard work collecting donations for clothing & other personal items, which she sent to VietNam.

In 1971, they moved to Norfolk, VA., with their children – later retiring there. While in Norfolk, she worked as a Music Teacher at “The Meadows” private school, and also gave private piano lessons for many years. She’s a Past President of the Lenox Garden Club in Norfolk, as well as Past Historian of the “Federation of Garden Clubs of Norfolk and Vicinity”. In Norfolk, Barbara was a member of Ocean View Baptist Church for some 30 years: While there, she served her Lord in the Music Ministry as well as many other areas, including teaching and working in the Children’s Dept. Her passion for music – and children – was evident and remarkable. She was also a member of the “Annette Hall Baptist Women’s Missionary Group”.

In 2002, Barbara & Jim moved to Florida to be near their Children and Grand Children. They joined Fleming Island Baptist Church, where Barbara joined the Choir and also served for years in the Children’s Department. Later, they became members of Hibernia Baptist Church on Fleming Island where she assisted in the Children’s Dept, and sang in the Church Choir. Truly, Barbara loved her service for the Lord Jesus!

She is survived by her husband, James T. Barlow; daughter, Joy A. Lehr; son, James T. Barlow Jr., -- and five Grand Children: Jillian Lehr; Christian Lehr; Patricia Barlow; Libie Whitehead and Ellison Whitehead. She will be sorely missed by all.

Barbara’s life could be summed up in just three words: Loving, Compassionate, Servant. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; …..enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”{Matt 25:21} Yes, Barbara is now receiving and relishing in the joy of her rewards in Heaven!

A Memorial Service was held at Hibernia Baptist Church; 7100 U.S. 17 Fleming Island, Florida 32003. In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s wish is for any donations to be made to: GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL, 4273 Blueberry Lane, Middleburg, FL 32068{or: www.gideons.org}