KILMARNOCK—Barbara Wren Brown of Kilmarnock passed away peacefully on September 19, 2018, surrounded by her loving daughter and her beloved companion.
Barbara was born on April 11, 1928, adopted by Martha and Lamar Wren, and raised in the small town of Wrens, Ga. She worked for a time in a telephone company, then married her military husband and love of her life.
She traveled to England and then returned to the U.S.; living from Alaska to Virginia, raising two daughters and enjoying 50 years together before her husband’s passing in 2009.
While living in Springfield, Barbara volunteered frequently at her home church, Grace Presbyterian. After her husband retired, they moved to the Northern Neck in 1974, which they both loved dearly.
She supported his efforts in the computer field and would usually ride along with him on his locksmithing jobs after he took up that trade. They would often travel to see close friends or family in Northern Virginia, Hampton, or decide to take a spontaneous trip to the mountains, (and in earlier life to New England).
She loved talking about flowers and the variety of birds, wherever they lived. Barbara was a member of the Historyland Community Workshop for many years, always delighting in the crafting activities that helped with local scholarships. She could often be found at the Lancaster Community Library.
Barbara became an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Her greatest joys were the flower ministry and picking up other elderly friends to drive them to church. When she could no longer drive, she increased her note writing; daily sending letters of encouragement and friendship out to friends or other church members, and often visited at the local nursing homes.
In her last few years, she was especially grateful for the company of her aide and companion, Kim Walker as well as her live-in daughter, Micqui. She would light up when grandchildren, great grandchildren or friends stopped by and spoke fondly of her daughter, Marsha.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her lifetime love, husband Charles.
Barbara is survived by two daughters, Micqui Whiddon and Marsha Harvey, three granddaughters, Melissa Welch (Dennis), Rebecca Rose (Dustin) and Ashleigh Smith (Sean); and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 30, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Kilmarnock. A private interment will be held at a later time.
Memorial gifts in honor of Barbara can be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, or Historyland Community Workshop Scholarship Fund.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
