Barbara Jean Gearhart

Barbara Jean Gearhart, 71, of Roanoke, Va., joined her Lord on Thursday, April 8, 2010. Barbara was born on September 30, 1938, and was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Lollas (Potter) Foster. Barbara graduated from Emanuel College and furthered her studies in early childhood education at the University of Virginia. Her life was dedicated to the education and care of children, as evidenced by her position as Charter Teacher of Special Education in Roanoke County in 1967, the underpinning of the Kangaroo Pouch Daycare in 1980, for a total of 40 years devoted to the enrichment of the lives of children. Barbara is survived by her soul mate and spouse of 49 years, Dewey; daughter, Kim and her husband, Todd Mineroldi; and only grandchild, Zach Mineroldi. Also surviving is Frieda Potter, her aunt and special friend. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, at Bethel Baptist Church in Salem with Pastors Hilton Jeffries and Ivey Adams officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010. The family offers special thanks to Doctors Subuhi and Raza, the Case Management staff of Lewis Gale Medical Center, and the extraordinary caregivers of Unit 4 of Salem Health and Rehabilitation Center.