Barbara Jean Wilfong

Barbara Jean Wilfong, 77, of Durbin, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, surrounded by her children (Brian and Leslie). Born on July 5, 1947 to Violet Sharp Banton and Harry Gordon Banton, Barbara cherished her roots in the small, close-knit town of Durbin WV, where she grew up surrounded by the love and warmth of her grandparents on both sides of her family and with her beloved Aunt, Myra Blankenship. Barbara's childhood was filled with the carefree joys of rural life, where she could often be found running the streets of Durbin with her childhood friends, laughing and making memories that would last a lifetime. She loved her friends from Greenbank High School and never lost contact with them. She would speak with these friends often and with fond memories. She had a particular fondness for days spent at Fitch and Luther's Diner, enjoying a cold Pepsi and hotdogs with her friends, a simple pleasure that became a lasting part of her story as her nickname was the Little Pepsi Girl. As she grew, Barbara developed a deep appreciation for cooking, a passion she inherited from her dear friend, Ms. Louise. Under Louise's tutelage, Barbara learned the art of Italian cuisine, a skill that she carried with her and shared generously with family and friends. Her spaghetti and lasagna were AMAZING. Barbara had a special fondness for pinball machines, a passion that began during her teenage years at the drive-in movies and the local arcade on Friday nights. Her enthusiasm for the game never waned, and she continued to enjoy it into adulthood, always seeking out new challenges and reliving the joy of her youth. Barbara was a proud mother who poured her heart into raising her children, always offering them guidance, love, and support. She never stopped reminiscing about all the cherished memories of our extended family, the little village on Florida Avenue. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her family, as she was a friend to many and a cherished member of her church, Ebenezer United Methodist Church, where she found strength and comfort in her faith and the fellowship of her church community. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Barbara was a passionate supporter of the Washington Redskins and Nationals as well as the Green Bay Packers, and of course the West Virginia Mountaineers. Whether watching games with her family or engaging in spirited discussions about her favorite teams, her enthusiasm for sports was infectious. And she was very competitive, she was in the 299 club at bowling in her Woodbridge league. Although dad was often listed as the coach for the kid’s sports league, everyone knew who was really coaching. Barbara was also an avid gardener, finding joy and peace in tending to her garden, where vibrant flowers flourished under her careful attention. Her love of nature and her nurturing touch were reflected in the beauty of her garden beds, and her home was a place where she found tranquility and inspiration. Except for those dang voles grrr to the voles! Her real passion was finding a way to get rid of the voles. Barbara was a woman of warmth, kindness, and laughter. (unless you were a vole) She had a heart of gold and always found joy in the simple moments. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving children: Leslie Wilfong (Kathy Smith) and Brian Wilfong (Mary); her grandchildren: Hunter Wilfong and Thomas Wilfong; her daughter by another mother, Tess Johnson (Mike); as well as a beloved nephew, Eddie Blankenship (Victoria) and her many Wilfong nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel from 6-8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 9:30 am, with inurnment to follow in Quantico National Cemetery.