Barbara Joyce (Jones) Dickens

Barbara Joyce (Jones) Dickens, 78, died peacefully into eternal life on January 26, 2025.  Barbara was the last surviving child of Ethel L. (Stover) Jones and Josh C. Jones.  She was born January 5, 1947, at home in Dorothy, WV. Barbara had high aspirations and set her bar to actualize most of them. She was an independent working woman during a time of traditional housewives.  She seemed to be at the right place at the right time; this equated to holding multiple jobs at one time. Her work began as a student at Sherman High School, she was a teacher's aide at Whitesville Elementary School for two years, she was inspired to further her education and attended Morris Harvey College. After the assassination of JFK, she became involved in politics first as a volunteer and then an active member of the Democratic Party. She served as an election poll official in every primary and general election from 1966-2019. Barbara was an exquisitely beautiful and smart woman; she had immeasurable talents and the tenacity to face any situation. She was tall and slim and had a contagious smile that would light up a room.  Most of all she was a mother, grandmother, wife and loyal friend.  She sewed her own clothes, her children’s outfits and costumes.  She grew delicious tomatoes and hybridized azaleas. There was nothing better than a bonfire with kids and friends.  She took pride in how she presented herself and never left the house without her hair perfect. She loved spending time with her adoring husband, Charles, both were dedicated to assisting others through community volunteerism.  Both served as volunteers at the Helping Hands and the Good Samaritan for over 40 years.  She was an active member of the Whitesville Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. She served as Dr’s Shapiro, Casis and Chaney’s Optometry Receptionist for 30 years. She was the owner and operator of Barbara’s Beauty Salon for 50 years while volunteering services to Hospice and Nursing Homes.  She was a loyal employee to Whitesville State Bank where she forged a lifelong friendship with Robert “Bob” Milam for over 40 years.  She managed the JKLM Inn in Whitesville for Bob for many years.  Barbara served in many positions and appointments during her life, all in the service to others.  She was a member of the Lions Club, Rotary Club, the Rebekah Lodge (Oddfellows), WSB- Board Member, WPC-Women's Auxiliary. She was a mentor to many as a Girl Scout Leader, church youth groups, and chaperoning school events. She was active in Parent Teacher Associations and any opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause; school trips to Washington DC, shoes for school age children to participate in sports to include the Anne Diem scholarship fund.  She dedicated her life to advocacy of the people in this community. Barabra was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 57 years Charles and her brothers Rapheal “Buck” Jones, Michael K. “Mike” Jones, Joe Eddie Jones and her sister Linda “Sis” (Jones) Runion, a special niece Linda Willard and late stepdaughter Petra St. Louis.  Her legacy lives on with her two daughters, Loretta (Mathew Monaco) Vandeborne, Michelle (Mike) Brooks, a daughter of her heart Marion Browning-Valdez. Cherished grandmother of Jeremiah St Louis (Nicole), Christina Paul (Bryce), Kaylynn Vermillion, Narissa Cowart (Dyllan), Madison Vandeborne, Trevor Estep and Allen Vandeborne.  Adored great-grandchildren Norah, Noah, Ellison, Sebastian, Winnie and Eden. She had many nieces and nephews. Her devoted neighbor and friend Mary Carter who shared her love of bonfires and conversation, lifelong school friends Dorothy Coffey and Sue Hamiliton who she made many memories with and her little dog Ben. Friends and family can pay their respects for Barbara and the family, Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Whitesville Presbyterian Church with Erica Layton, C.P., officiating and The Stewart Family singing. Barbara will be interned at Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum privately with her family on Monday, February 3rd.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Whitesville Presbyterian Church. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara Joyce (Jones) Dickens, please visit our Tree Store.