Lucille Barber

Lucille Collins Barber passed away November 30th 2010 at Heritage Hall in Blacksburg, VA. Born in Christiansburg on July 31, 1917 and graduated from Christiansburg High School, she was preceded in death by her parents Hammet and Grace Collins, her husband and the love of her life Robert L. (Tom) Barber and son, former Montgomery County Sheriff, Louis E. Barber, brothers Emmett, Rangeley, and Roy Collins and sisters, Mae Woolwine and Lena Woods.

Lucille retired from Hercules Inc. after more than 30 years of service. She was a long time member of the McDaniel Chapter 47 Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron and was the Chapter's Secretary for over 50 years. She was an avid bowler and bowled in various leagues until shortly before her 90th birthday, when her health no longer allowed her to participate in the sport she truly enjoyed. She loved all sports and never missed a chance to watch her boys play in High School and College and was just as content to sit home and watch a good game on TV.

Left to cherish her memory, are her loving sons, Dr. Robert M. Barber and wife Shelia of Salem, VA, Councilman D. Michael Barber and wife Erlene, daughter- in- law Emma M. Barber. Grandchildren Elaine B. Epperly, Ronald P. Barber, Brandi B. Bailey and husband Jason, Aimee B. Rudic and husband John, Lori B. Nolen and husband Phillip, and Lisa R. Barber, and great grandchildren John Epperly, Emily Nolen, Maggie Nolen and Maxwell "Max" Bailey. She is also survived by her sister Edith C. Reed of Louisa and brother- in- law William P. Barber of Covington, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
"Mom" loved her boys deeply and was extremely proud of each of them. Her daughters- in- law were also very dear to her, she loved them and considered each to be the daughters she never had. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the lights of her life. She loved each of them unconditionally, cherished the time she spent with each and left lasting impressions and memories for each of them to remember for the rest of their lives.

She opened her doors to her son's friends who needed help, comfort, a meal or just a shoulder on which to lean. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors in time of need.

She was well respected by her co-workers, friends, Eastern Star Members and everyone she came in contact with. The family would like to thank Norma Carroll, Betsy Harmon, Betty Snider and Margaret Brown-Gregory far the many years of friendship and visits to her over the last few years, Carilion Hospice Services for the loving care they gave her during her final days, Dr. Mike Payne and his staff for working with and caring for her, the staff of Lewis Gale-Montgomery Regional Hospital and Heritage Hall for their excellent and professional service.

The family will receive friends Friday Dec. 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Horne Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held Saturday Dec. 4th at 11:00 AM at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Neal Turner presiding. She will be buried next to her husband Tom and son Louis in Sunset Cemetery following the service.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial gifts may be made instead to the Humane Society of Montgomery County (PO Box 287 Blacksburg, VA 24063), or The Christiansburg Rescue Squad (PO Box 176 Christiansburg, VA 24068), or a charity of your choice.