REEDVILLE—Barbara Withers Altaffer Lowry was born on October 1, 1931, at her home, Locust Farm, in Kinsale. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Withers Sr.; two husbands, Joe D. Altaffer and John B. Lowry; her sisters, Sterling Withers Vaughan (Bob), Mabel Withers Shaw (Taylor), Jo Withers Byrd (Hugh); and her brothers, Warren Withers Jr. (Dot) and Allen Withers (Helen); stepson, John O. Lowry; son-in-law, Benny Balderson; and step-grandchild, Baylor Haynie Lewis (Kent).
Barbara is survived by two children, Robbin Altaffer Balderson (Mack) and Blaine Altaffer (Beth); two stepchildren, Joanne Lowry Haynie (Manuel), Judi Lowry Guarine (Joe); four grandchildren, Ben Balderson, Carol Balderson, Nathan Altaffer (Kasey) and Brent Altaffer (Chloe); four step-grandchildren, Tim Haynie (Susanna), Michael Haynie (Choya), John Chewning (Danielle) and Lynn Chewning Pekmezian (Dean); and great-grandson, Otie Lee Altaffer.
She was a graduate of Cople High School Class of 1949. Following graduation, she attended Smithdeal Massey Business College and later worked for the Tidewater Telephone Company.
Barbara was a loyal member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Reedville and was involved with the church in numerous ways. She was also a long-time member of the Garden Club. Antique shopping was one of her favorite pastimes, and her keen eye and ability to find unique pieces came in handy in the 25 years she and her husband, John, ran “Cap’n John’s Antiques.”
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 23, at Roseland Cemetery in Reedville, with a reception following at Reedville Fishermen’s Museum. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, PO Box 77, Reedville, VA 22539 or the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, PO Box 306, Reedville VA 22539.
