Barbara White Lord

Barbara White Lord died on June 21, 2017 at the age of 86. She was born in Hampton, VA on April 30, 1931 to Albert Linwood White, Jr. and Vivian Eskridge White. Educated in the Hampton public schools, she was a cheerleader for her beloved Hampton Crabbers, graduating in 1948. She then attended Stratford Junior College in Danville, VA, from which she graduated in 1950. She had met her husband to be, Douglas Robert Lord, in the First Methodist Church in Hampton and they were married there in 1950 following her graduation from college. Together they raised three wonderful children: Susan, who lives in Ashburn, VA, and was married to Ray Oliver until his untimely death in 2010; Jim, who lives in Charleston, WV, and is married to Beth Osenton Lord; and Tom, who lives in Millersville, MD, and is married to Martha Murphy Lord. Six precious grandchildren followed: Jason Oliver (married to Meggan Hunt Oliver), Karen Oliver, Taylor Lord, Leah Lord, Jessica Lord, and Matthew Lord. Great-granddaughters Rachel Oliver arrived in 2010, Lilly Lord in 2012, and Ava Oliver in 2013. This family has given her love and affection beyond measure, and she has been proud of every achievement of each one. She is also survived by two sisters-in law: Frances Murray White of Williamsburg, and Eleanor Lord Stethers of Binghamton, NY, and a brother-in-law, David Lord of New Brighton, MN and his wife Cindi Weston Lord, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Albert Linwood White, III, and three brothers-in-law: Frank Rose, Richard Stethers, and John Lord, and a sister-in-law, Beverly Lord Rose. She devoted her adult life to raising her three children, but found time to contribute as a volunteer wherever she lived. She was in the Hampton Junior Women's Club, the Hampton Roads Junior League, several Garden Clubs, and was a volunteer "pink lady" at the Fairfax Hospital. Her major efforts were visible in the various Methodist churches in which she was a member, whether as a Sunday school teacher, as a member or officer in the United Methodist Women, or as a member or chair of committees and as a church Lay Leader. She also served on the Board of the Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center and the Virginia Council of Churches. She was a charter member of Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield, VA, and was thrilled when the youth center there was named in honor of her and her husband for their dedicated service. Her favorite church job, however, was serving on Altar Guilds where she used her flower-arranging skills to make the worship centers a place of beauty. She was also a wonderful cook and a skilled seamstress and later discovered a talent for painting with her beautiful seascapes finding a cherished place in the homes of each of her family members. As her children reached maturity she found a place to take her talents to a new level as Administrative Assistant at the Annandale United Methodist Church, where she directed a staff of this large and growing congregation. When she moved to Williamsburg she joined Chapter BA of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and enjoyed the many activities with these wonderful friends. Her final years were spent in the Williamsburg Landing, a retirement community where she made many more acquaintances and enriched the lives of those she met with her joyful spirit and friendly greetings. The family is most appreciative of the loving care provided to her by the staff of the Woodhaven nursing facility. A Memorial Service will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church at 2:00p.m. on July 8, 2017, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Williamsburg United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.