Barbara Jean Lawrence, 72, of Lanesville Road, Dryfork, left this world to reunite with her beloved husband, Don, on Saturday, December 17, 2016.
Barb was born to Vincent Eugene and Pauleen Parker Brigman on April 24, 1944, in West Augusta, VA. She enjoyed a happy childhood on her parents’ farm, sharing many cherished memories with her 3 sisters, Mary (Ken) Vanderhyde, Karen (Bobby) Guin, and Betty (John) Dickhute. Barb was a good listener, a good worker, and a great friend.
She was resilient and tough, yet her warmth and compassion were palpable. On any given day, you might find Barb sandwiched in between her two, loyal pups, Bear and Champ. Her “bookends.” Barb had many great passions in this life. She loved people and books and the rolling mountains of West Virginia. In the Spring and Summer, you would find her in the garden. She was a talented, masterful gardener. Her affection and knowledge of flowers and plants led to the opening of Hillside Nursery in 2001. Barb and the great love of her life, Don, worked contentedly side by side for many years, tending to and growing a diverse nursery and successful business.
Barb started work at Canaan Valley Resort in 2012, where she worked until the fall of this year.
Of all these great passions, however, the most notable would be her dedication and enduring love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are her adored daughters, Teresa Jean (Alan) Sloan and Melissa “Missy” Lynn Woods, her beloved son Shawn Alan Lawrence (Chelsey Mowery) ; her in-laws, Elijah and Vessa Lawrence; her granddaughters Jessica Puffenbarger (Kevin Hodge) , Erika (Lenny) Cox, and Carol Woods; her grandson Tommy (Charity) Sloan and many special members of the Botkin family. Barbara is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, Trevor, Colby, Tanner, Katelyn, Morgan, Kayleigh, Mason, Jaiden, Brooklyn, and Landon.
Barb was preceded in death by her much loved husband, dear parents, her sister, Mary, and treasured grandson, Jeremy Knight. They meet again! The family received friends at 10:30 a.m. at Red Creek Bethel Church on Lanesville Rd on Monday, January 16, 2017 followed by a luncheon. Barb planted the seeds of her gentle nature and kind spirit in the hearts of all who knew her, and for that, we are grateful.
