Barbara Dickerson of Axton has been named the 2025 TOPS Virginia Queen after losing 145.5 pounds through the nonprofit weight-loss support organization TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly).
The honor recognizes the woman in Virginia who reached her goal weight after recording the largest weight loss from her highest weight as a TOPS member, regardless of how long it took to achieve that goal. Dickerson was recognized April 24-25 during the Virginia recognition event at the Natural Bridge Hotel in Natural Bridge.
“I’m 85 years old, and I’m still moving about pretty well,” Dickerson said. "I love cooking. I love to do that. I’ve been married 66 years, and I have two kids, a boy and a girl. I have five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren."
Dickerson said she attends TOPS meetings every Tuesday and credits the group’s encouragement for helping her stay on track.
"I go to TOPS every Tuesday, and I just love it, and I have a wonderful leader, Bettie Smith," she said.
Dickerson said diabetes was one of the reasons she joined the organization. She said portion control, eliminating added salt and drinking plenty of water have all contributed to her success.
"It took me a long while, but I slowly used portion size. I stopped using salt a lot. As a matter of fact, I’ve quit using salt," she said.
"I keep drinking my water and do different things to keep my kidneys straight."
She said the support she receives from fellow members has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
"Everybody that’s in there is really … I have never met a group in my life that’s been so supportive. Everybody’s so nice, and everybody seems to get along with everybody," she said.
Dickerson described herself as quiet but said she enjoys the friendships she’s made through the group.
"Everyone seems to be so friendly, and I just love it. Mrs. Smith is so nice, I don’t know what we’d do if we had to lose her."
She added, "Everybody is the same, no better than anyone else. You are all the same in my eyes. She’s such a lovely person. I have never met that many people to be like that. I just enjoy going every week that I can, and it makes me feel better when I leave."
For exercise, Dickerson said she mainly walks and keeps her legs moving even while sitting.
She encourages anyone interested in losing weight to consider joining TOPS.
"If they want to lose weight, that is the place to go because people will motivate you," she said. "Eat your portion size, and next time when you come back next week you will lose weight."
TOPS is a nonprofit weight-loss support organization founded in 1948. Members receive group support, health education and recognition to encourage healthy weight management through lifestyle changes.
TOPS President Rick Danforth praised members who reached their weight-loss goals in 2025.
"All of us in TOPS are immensely proud of our members’ weight-loss achievements," Danforth said. "Through their TOPS membership, these individuals can honor their life-altering successes, other members, and those who have preceded them."
For more information about TOPS or to find a local chapter, visit tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.
