Barbara Ann Barden

With profound love, deep admiration, and more stories than we could ever fit on one page, we share the passing of Barbara Ann Barden — our fierce, faithful, and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the irreplaceable matriarch of our family — who passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at the age of 94.

We’ll be honest: trying to sum up 94 years of life, sass, strength, and unmatched sweet potato casserole in one obituary feels a little unfair. But if anyone would’ve told us to get it done — and get it done right — it’d be Barbara.

Born in Peekskill, New York, she was the daughter of James Farrar and Katherine Throckmorton. She was the second oldest of four siblings — Jean Worsham, Jimmy Farrar, and Shirley Heath — all of whom beat her to the heavenly reunion, probably saving her a seat and catching her up on the gossip. Though her time as a Northerner was brief, the family eventually made their way south to Richmond, Virginia, where Barbara’s roots took hold, and her life truly began.

In June of 1952, Barbara met the love of her life, Maurice “Bubba” Barden Jr., and four months later they said “I do” — clearly wasting no time and starting what would become 50 years of a one-of-a-kind partnership. Together, they built a full life — one filled with love, laughter, family, and an impressive collection of beach chairs and umbrellas. Most importantly, they lovingly and wholeheartedly raised five children side by side, always putting family first.

Like all great love stories, theirs had highs, lows, and more than a few debates over who left the light on. But their bond was strong, real, and enduring — built on fierce loyalty and deep love. Barbara had a fire in her that made her a force to be reckoned with. She stood up for herself (and everyone else she cared about), and Bubba loved her even more for it. Their marriage was less about perfection and more about persistence — and that made it beautiful.

Barbara was the definition of a strong woman — steady, selfless, and unshakably devoted to her family. She was a true homemaker, not just in the physical sense, but in the way she made people feel at home. She was a devoted mother to Lawrence (Barbara), Tommy†, Kenneth (Wanda), David† (Karen), and Vickie (Johnny), raising them with grace, grit, unconditional love, and a level of forgiveness that only a mother of five could possibly achieve. Even as life shifted, she kept close to those she loved — including Donna Gail, Tommy’s former wife, who remained part of the family and always held a special place in Barbara’s heart. After her son David passed, Barbara and his wife Karen stayed wonderfully close — sharing memories, holidays, and the kind of honest conversations that only come after decades of family and a few shared eyerolls. These bonds were proof that family isn’t just about blood — it’s also about the people who really get you and who share your memories.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Bubba, her sons Tommy and David, and her grandson Thomas. We know she’s with them now —organizing things, telling them what they missed, and keeping an eye on all of us from above. Her love for them never left her, and their presence remained a constant in her heart.

She was a deeply cherished grandmother to Adam (Sharon), Andy (Brooke), Amie (Thomas), Kimberly (Adam), Katie (Lawrence), Stephanie (Brandon) and Jay (Jackie). Her joy multiplied with every grandchild, every call, every visit, every hug, and every birthday cake. And then came the great-grandchildren — and her heart, somehow, got even bigger.

Her beloved great-grandchildren include: Taylor, Casey, and Dalton (children of Adam and Sharon), Camden, Dylan, and Easton (children of Andy and Brooke), Madelyn and Everett (children of Amie and Thomas),

Anthony (son of Kimberly and Adam), and Lexi, Maelynn, Weston, Katelyn, and Lilly Kate (children of Katie and Lawrence) They were her sunshine, her joy, and her favorite excuse to always keep a stash of sweets nearby.

Some of the family’s fondest memories came from their beach trips to Nags Head — where Barbara could be found in her favorite chair under a big umbrella, sunscreen at the ready, watching Bubba chase waves with the grandkids while she soaked in the salty air. That beach condo became a second home — one filled with laughter, just enough sand to drive Barbara crazy, and storytelling sessions that went long into the night. She also formed deep friendships with her beach neighbors — the kind of porch-sitting, heart-sharing connections that last a lifetime.

Though her spirit remained strong and sharp, her body eventually called it a day. Barbara faced her final chapter the same way she lived the rest — with quiet strength, humor, grace, and always thinking of others first.

We will miss her deeply. But we find peace knowing she’s back with Bubba, Tommy, David, Thomas, and her favorite little dog, Fritz (IYKYK). Her legacy lives on in every one of us — in how we love and how we show up for one another.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Bennett and Barden Funeral Home. A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at 11:00 a.m. at May Memorial Baptist Church in Powhatan, Virginia, with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Dale Memorial Park.