Barbara was born on March 16, 1937, to Jack Foster McComb and Grace Bellamy McComb in Brooksville, FL. Barbara was five years old when the U.S. became involved in WWII. Her father joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was sent to Brazil to build airfields for the U.S. Army Air Corps North African Campaign. Grace and the girls moved to Key West, FL, and lived in a small camper while their father was deployed. She told the story frequently that they ate a lot of fish and sea turtle meat. The Army Corps of Engineers would bring in a truckload of live chickens every Saturday so they could have a Sunday meal of chicken. After the war, they moved to Starke, FL. She graduated from Bradford County High School and attended college at the University of Florida. She graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and received the distinguished Balfour Award in Library Science. She soon married the love of her life, whom she had known for many years, James Richard Weldon, Sr., on July 4, 1959. They settled in Jacksonville and had three children: Sherrill Ann Weldon, James Richard Weldon, Jr., and Steven Foster Weldon.
Barbara was a life-long educator in Jacksonville, FL. Her first job was at Kirby Smith Junior High School, teaching geography. Later she taught physical education, social studies, and math at Southside Junior High School. Barbara was one of the founders of Hendricks Day School and became their first librarian, a position she loved. During her time there, she also taught social studies and computers. Barbara retired when she was 55 years old.
Barbara loved flowers, butterflies, reading, and bird watching. She was a voracious reader and would read an entire book, cover to cover, every other day. She had a passion for genealogy and history, especially Florida history. She loved to swim in Florida’s beautiful springs and was especially fond of Gilchrist Blue Springs in High Springs, FL.
Barbara is survived by her sister Cecilia Greer and Daughter-Sherrill Ann Weldon (partner Danny). Grandchildren-Brendon & Aerin. Son-James Richard Weldon, Jr (Jennifer), Grandchildren: Hannah (husband Pierre), Kaley (husband Nathan), and Jacob. Son-Steven Foster Weldon (Kay), Grandchildren: Timothy (wife Brooke), Tyler, Tara, Tabitha, Ross (wife Morgan), Steven (wife Lacey). Great Grandchildren: Savannah, Taylor, Alice, Talon, Easton, Autumn, and Harper.
She had many cousins and other relatives throughout Florida.
Barbara was a classic southern lady whose sweet disposition and deep compassion for others flowed easily from her lips. She loved her family profoundly, and all will forever miss her.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday October 17, 2022 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL with visitation held 1 hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
