Barbara Ann Lewellyn White, 82, loving mother, doting grandmother, faithful friend, and influential educator passed away peacefully to her eternal home on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, while surrounded by family. Barbara was born April 2, 1940, in Pulaski, Virginia, the only child of the late Annie Van Hoy and Arthur Harold Lewellyn.
Barbara graduated from Pulaski High School in 1959, proud to receive perfect attendance for all twelve years. The ever-present leader, Barbara served as President of the Student Body. She attended Radford College, served as Vice-President of her senior class, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1963. Barbara was also certified in Adult Education. She taught in Pulaski County, Roanoke City, Franklin County, Chesterfield County, and Wythe County. She is best known for her 40+ years of service in Henry County at Bassett Middle School and in the Adult Education Program. She had a great respect for her students, her colleagues, and for the field in which she served for 58 years.
She was a devoted member of Bassett Memorial United Methodist Church where she served 24 years as Chair of Children’s Ministry, lay speaker, and held various other offices. She also participated in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Chancel Choir. Recently, she was a member of Stanleytown United Methodist Church. She was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a member of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and a lifetime member of the Pocahontas Garden Club Auxiliary, of which she served as President for several terms.
In the community, she was well known and loved. She touched the lives of many children and adults, showing them all unconditional love and building confidence one student at a time. She lived her life with grace and class and left a lasting impact on all those she met. She will be remembered for her kind, gentle manner, her ability to always see the best in people and situations, her loving demeanor, and her dedication to her faith, family, friends, and students.
Surviving are her beloved daughter and husband, Ann René White and Wayne Wilkinson of Vienna, Virginia, and her grandson, Caden White Wilkinson, who she adored. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother, and friend. She leaves behind many honorary sisters, faithful friends, and loving cousins. Her legacy of friendship and family will be carried on through her daughter, grandson, and many dear friends.
Share a celebration of her homecoming with her family at Stanleytown United Methodist Church: Visitation, Sunday, June 19 from 5:00-6:30 P.M., Services, Monday, June 20 at 10:00 A.M., Rev. David Westmoreland officiating. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, June 21 in Pulaski County at Thornspring United Methodist Church. In honor of Barbara, the family respectfully asks that you wear clothes to reflect her uplifting personality and her love of flowers.
Memorials may be made to: Green Hedges School, Attn: Blake Kohn, 415 Windover Ave. N.W, Vienna, VA 22180.
Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, Virginia and Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Virginia are serving the family. Online condolences may be made at https://www.norrisfuneral.com.
