Barbara Anne Whitaker

Barbara Anne Whitaker, 76, of Floyd, Va., died peacefully in her sleep Sunday, March 5, 2017 at her home after a lengthy illness.

Barbara was born July 1, 1940 in Indianapolis and after graduating from high school in Eminence, she pursued a career in business, working as assistant to the director of nursing at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and later as executive secretary at Rielly Tar and Chemical. After marrying and starting a family, Barbara chose to be a full-time mother to her four children.

After moving to Floyd, Va., Barbara worked at Heritage Hall and at the Forestry Department at Virginia Tech. Her final working years were spent at several clothing manufacturers in Floyd.

Barbara’s home was always open to friends and family. Her cooking skills were well known as well as her love of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A true servant of God, Barbara will be remembered always.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, David Whitaker; sons and daughters-in-law Chris and Joyce Whitaker, Josh and Ashley Whitaker and Levi and Jennifer Whitaker; daughter and son-in-law Amy and Alvin Collette; grandchildren Kristen Whitaker, Laura Whitaker, Mary Whitaker, Raven Whitaker, Emily Whitaker, Levi Collette, Joshua Whitaker, John Whitaker, Aaron Whitaker, Jacob Whitaker and Thad Whitaker; great-grandchildren Anthony, Nevaeh, Rielly, Zoey, Macsamus, Zanetta, Varion and Xavier; brothers and sisters-in-law Tommie and Judy Emberson and Rodney and Eleen Emberson; and sister and brother-in-law Mary and Jim Romminger.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 10 at Maberry Funeral Home with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating with interment in the Jacksonville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.maberryfuneralhome.com.