Lois Barber Hornbarger
May 12, 1942 – Nov. 29, 2020
Lois Jean Barber Hornbarger, 78, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, passed away on November 29, 2020 at her home in the company of her family. Lois was born in Welch, West Virginia to the late Kyle and Sylvia Barber. Her parents were kind, generous and loving, and had a strong Christian faith. Lois was the youngest of four children and often remarked that she and her three siblings were always loved, happy, surrounded by family, and always had a good meal on the table. Lois later provided this same foundation of unconditional love, and good food, to her children and grandchildren.
Lois left Welch in 1960 to attend nursing school at Radford College. While working as a student nurse, she met Buddy “Harold” Hornbarger. They were married in 1962, lived in Radford for a few years, near her in-laws, the late Pauline and Cecil Dalton; and eventually settled in Glen Lea in Henrico County, Virginia where they raised their three children and made many life-long friends.
Survivors include her three children, Scott Hornbarger (Wendy) of Henrico, Virginia, Tammy Driscoll (Michael) of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Kate Phipps (Robbie) of Mechanicsville, Virginia; five grandchildren, Amber Marrero (Nelson), Callie McDonal, Austin Phipps, Alyssa Phipps, and Delaney Driscoll; her brother Lloyd Travis Barbour (Betty) of Elmore, Alabama; special loved ones, April Reynolds, Mathew Driscoll, Rose Marie Rose, Rebecca Sarubbi; several nieces and nephews, and a host of close friends. Lois was preceded in death by her husband of over 34 years, Harold “Buddy” Hornbarger in 1996, her parents, and her two sisters, Janice Gross and Wanda Cantrell.
Lois worked for over 38 years as a devoted and compassionate nurse, first at Richmond Memorial Hospital (RMH), and later at the Veteran’s (VA) Hospital, where she considered it an honor to care for the men and women who had served our nation. Lois made many dear friends at both RMH and the VA Hospital.
Lois’ greatest joy was spending time with family. She was a most loving and fun grandmother to her five grandchildren. Because of “Memaw,” these five spent lots of time together and have a bond stronger than steel. Lois enjoyed spending many days with them, amazed by their wit, humor, and compassion and their love for each other. They were all so special to her. She would speak of them with such deep understanding and respect for their individuality and unique strengths. They all loved her so dearly too.
Lois was an amazing Mom. Her children say she was their rock, solid and always there for them providing unconditional love and support, sometimes with a healthy mix of tough love when it was needed. During troubled times, she would gently remind us that, “this too shall pass.” Lois was genuine; someone you could be yourself around and someone you loved to be around. She had the most beautiful smile and a spontaneous sense of humor that often left us roaring with laughter at family gatherings. She leaves a legacy of love of family and many treasured friends. She often said, “good friends are the spice of life.” We will miss her love and support, humor, kindness, and her warm and loving smile. She will remain forever in our hearts and we will cherish the loving memories of her as we learn to continue on our life journey without her.
The family deeply appreciates the supportive care Lois received through Bon Secours Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at 3 pm Friday, December 11 at Affinity Funeral Service Richmond Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294 officiated by Chaplain Jeffrey Walton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
A graveside service will be held at 1 pm Saturday, December 12 at Sunset Cemetery, 501 S Franklin St, Christiansburg, VA 24073 officiated by Pastor Craig Barber.
To support Lois’ work and love for others, in lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for contributions to support St Jude Children’s Hospital or to a charity that helps veterans and their families https://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/14/top-10-charities-that-support-veterans.html.
Click here to join the live streamed memorial service for Lois Jean Barber Hornbarger.
I grew up in a small town called Highland Springs in Virginia. I will always remember Mrs Honbarger for her smile , politeness and love for her family. We all had strong family values back in the 70’s. I was lucky to know her husband as well. Played ball with Scott and watched Tammy grow up to look as pretty as her mother. We grew up and away from each other but I will never forget your Mom!!
God Bless everyone of y’all!
Love,
Joey Fields
I have such great memories of her, from a young child to living next door to Kate and Robbie. She was a very special women and touched a lot of people as a nurse. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and may God Bless and comfort you during this time. Jeff Cline
Lois is one of my closest friends, first meeting in 1972 at Richmond Memorial. She was without a doubt the kindest and sweetest friend. In work and in friendship she was always there if you needed her. I have so many memories, sad, funny, touching. Rest in Peace my dear sweet friend. Karen
I am so very sorry to hear of Lois’s passing.. She was a wonderful person and I have memories of her from my youth. I pray for strength and comfort for her children and grandchildren. Debbie Hornbarger Simpkins
Lois was a great friend of mine as well as Buddy. We made some great memories when our children were growing up. I will always cherish them.
I will always our girls playing together at the ball field
My thoughts and prayers are with you Scott, Tammy and Kate
What a beautiful memory of an extraordinary lady. My condolences to the family at this very sad time.
I met Lois around 1980 at Richmond Memorial Hospital where we worked together. She was always kind and funny. Later we worked together at the VA Hospital. She will always have a place in my heart. May she Rest In Peace and her children and family find comfort in their memories of her life.
My condolences to the family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. Moms are so special and she just sounds like such a wonderful example of how to live life—with love and compassion—as she demonstrated to many. Big hugs to all of you through this time.
Linda Peay
I had the pleasure of working with Lois at RMH ( 1982-1986) she demonstrated the gold standard of nursing. Always cheerful and hilarious. You could not help but love her. Her love and devotion for her children was always on display as she glowingly spoke of them often. I am truly honored to have known her. The saying ‘Heaven has gained an Angel ‘couldn’t be more true. RIHeaven
Lois and I were roommates in nursing school at Radford. I loved her like a sister I never had. We had many great times and were there for each other during our first great adventure just out of high school. Everyone she met gravitated to her because of her great personality. I will always remember her and she will always have a special place in my heart.
To Scott and Tammy very sorry for your loss your mom was a great lady she will be missed your in our prayers me and Tina price and Ann price have your family in our prayers and thoughts ?
Scott, Tammy, Kate and family, I am deeply saddened to learn of your Mom’s passing. I will cherish the many fond memories created during my childhood visits with your family! Your Mom was surely a wonderful person with the biggest heart! You will all be in my prayers!
Cathy so sorry about your mom. I know you will miss her. Will keep you and your family in our prayers
Kate, Tammy and Scott .Lois Jean will forever and always have a special place in my heart .I was fortunate enough to enjoy the many good times we all shared as kids ,and long into to our adult life with Lois Jean .I am sorry I could not be there in person to convey my condolences. Though I may be far away, know that my spirit and prayers are with you
Callie and Amber, our condolences to you and the family. May your many memories of Memaw be a comfort to you. With love, Missy/ Haley and Eric, and Morgan
There are no words that could express what Lois meant to me. I just want to thank Kate, Tammy and Scott for sharing her with me all these years. God truly gave me the best neighbors to grow up with. Godspeed my Lo Lo. You will be greatly missed.
Scott, Tammy and Kathy, I am so sorry for you loss. Lois was a very special person . We spent a lot of days with y’all at the ball field when we were younger. I was able to run into Lois a few more times over the last two years and was reminded of her kind loving soul. Hugs to you all.
I started working at Richmond Memorial Hospital in 1975. I transferred into Psychiatry Jan 1976 where I first met one of my closest coworkers and one of my closest mentors. Lois taught me to respect and care for our fellow human beings. Though our careers took us each into other nursing paths our friendship never got displaced. I will always keep you in my heart and look for that shining star every night to know that you are looking down on me. Love you Lois Hornbarger♥️
I love this and I too look to the stars. Look tonight ❤️https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/12/21/world/christmas-star-jupiter-saturn-solstice-scn-trnd/index.html
Sammy & I send our prayers for comfort and our love . Lois was always a bright light in our lives. She was a second Mom to Sammy and the memories he holds will remain in his heart forever. She was a friend to all and always had such a comforting way about her. RIP dear friend and we know you will forever be watching over us.
I worked with Lois at the veteran’s medical center. She was such a pleasure to work with.
I am saddened. On occasion when I visited my Uncle Merle and Aunt Helen I might she Lois and her daughter Tammy. I was shy as a kid and I recall Lois’s sweet and welcoming spirit. Thank you, Lois.
My deepest condolences
Lois and I were Nurses together on the Psychiatric Unit at Richmond Memorial Hospital. She was one of the most decent people I ever met. I loved working with her. She knew what she was doing and could be relied on as a teammate. In Nursing, that counts for a lot. You chose well for her picture in the Obituary as her “light” is shining from her eyes. Lois was kind, gentle, supportive, fun and knowledgeable. Even though I left RMH and went on to other things, I often thought and still think of RMH and the wonderful staff we had on the Psych Unit and at the top of the staffing list is Lois. Rest in Peace warm heart! My condolences to her Family.
Lois and I went from first grade through high school together. She had such beautiful eyes, smile and sweet disposition. I am so sad to hear of her passing. Please accept my condolences.
We appreciate all of your beautiful comments. They have been a source of comfort to us and I have read them all several times over the last week as reality has set in.
Lynn Hannan, look for her star tonight. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/12/21/world/christmas-star-jupiter-saturn-solstice-scn-trnd/index.html