Barber, Lucille Collins

Lucille Collins Barber passed away November 30, 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 greatgrandchildren, 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 for 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, December 3, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held Saturday, December 4, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with the 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. The Barber family is being served by Horne Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.