Portsmouth, Virginia
Jan 11, 1933 – Sep 29, 2021 (Age 88)
Barbara Shafer Ohmsen passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Barbara was a native of Roanoke, VA. She was predeceased by her parents Harry and Kathleen Shafer, and her husband Ray. She was a member of the Williamson Road Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. Barbara graduated from Madison College and was a member Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She was a lifelong supporter of JMU. She came to Portsmouth to teach at Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a former president of the PTA at Western Branch High School and lifetime member of the PTA of Virginia Barbara was very active in the Garden Clubs holding many roles. She was charter member of the Green Meadow Point Garden Club and served as president several times. She served as president of the Portsmouth Area Council of Garden Clubs, the Tidewater District, and the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. She was an honorary president of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and served on the boards for the South Atlantic Region and the National Garden Clubs. Barbara was also a Nature Camp trustee for many years.
She is survived by her sons Mike (Cammy) and Greg (Michelle) and grandsons Casey (Jeni), Ryan and granddaughters Kristina and Rachel (Thomas and great-granddaughter Kendall), her sister, Priscilla (Don) Jamison, niece - Lynne Kinder, nephew - Mark (Eli), great nephew Joe and great nieces Kyra, Kate, and Grace. A viewing will be held at RW Baker and Company, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk, VA 23435 on Tuesday, October 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Wednesday, October 6 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception celebrating her life at the Portsmouth/Chesapeake Elks Log on Gum Road, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, Barbara would be delighted if you would make a donation to the Nature Camp Foundation - https://www.naturecampfoundation.org/give/.
I am sorry to learn about your loss of Barbara. She was a fellow business major at MC and she and I had many classes together. It was always good to see her at reunions.
Nan St. John Oliver
October 30, 2021 | Friend
To Mike and the family, I just learned of Barbara´s passing and was certainly saddened by this news....she was a lifelong friend of James Madison University, supportive of academic programs, her class projects and especially her 1955 class reunions. When I started as the Director of Alumni Relations in 1985, she provided me with lots of background and insight to engage our alumni, especially our "senior" alumni...for that I was always grateful. She always had a smile on her face and all of...
Steve Smith
October 18, 2021 | Friend
Miss Shafer was a wonderful teacher and she cared for her students. She came to my wedding back in 1960 and she always attended our class reunions. She was very special to us and was a joy to be around. She will be missed.
Charlene Green Reynolds
October 06, 2021 | School
To Barbara's Family: May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Will McBeth
October 05, 2021 | Other
My heartfelt sympathy to Barbara's family. This dear lady was a teacher and mentor for many garden club friends and she will be greatly missed. It was my honor and pleasure to have known her and learned from her over the years. Patsy, Tidewater District, VFGC
Patricia E Cameron
October 05, 2021 | Friend
Through the Green Meadow Point Garden Club, Barbara was very active as a volunteer at Western Branch Intermediate School. She supported our Labkeepers program and was beloved by our students and staff. Barbara was so kind and engaging with the students. We will certainly miss her.
Charlotte White
October 05, 2021
"Miss Shafer" (as I knew her at Wilson HS), was a sweetheart. I always counted her a friend and support.
I am sure that she will be missed.
Joyce Thomasson Eskey
October 05, 2021 | Family
I've known Barbara since I came to the area in 1960. We taught together at Woodrow Wilson High School. I'll miss our yearly chats and ordering pecans. She was a good friend.
Suzanne Knowles
October 04, 2021 | Friend
Dear Mike and Cammy, our condolences to you and your family. Your beloved Mother had a remarkable life, and may beautiful memories sustain you during your time of sorrow.
Patti Shawn
October 03, 2021 | Norfolk, VA | Friend
