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1927 - 2013
Barbara Brooks Whitney Willburn died on Sunday, January 20, 2013, surrounded by her children. She was 86.
Barbara was born at home in Alexander Valley to Carol and Lloyd Brooks. Her father worked for the railroad, so the family moved many times along the 101 corridor, finally settling in Willits after her father died and her mom married Bob Brown.
Barbara graduated from Willits High School and then joined the Cadet Nursing program at Santa Rosa Junior College during World War II. After graduating with an RN degree, she married Bill Whitney and lived in Willits, working at the Whitney & Whitney Insurance Agency and then as a school nurse at Brookside Elementary School.
She and Bill had three children and enjoyed their life in Willits, but eventually divorced. A few years later, Barbara married Eddie Willburn and they were together for 20 years, until his death. She, along with Eddie, were very involved in the AA and Alanon community, and had countless friends who have been very supportive.
Barbara enjoyed many things, including travel, sewing, knitting and quilting, and she was an avid reader. When Bill was stationed in Europe during World War II he became friends with a Belgium family. Barbara wrote to the family's daughter, André, for many years, writing letters to her in French, and André would answer in English. Barbara and her sister, Carolyn, traveled to visit Henré and André in Belgium, as did Barbara and Eddie.
Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Carolyn Haggard, and brother Howard Brooks. She is survived by her brother, Douglas Brown, and wife Glenda; son, Dusty Whitney; daughter Wendy Emal and husband Russell; and daughter India White and husband Ralph. She also is survived by five grandchildren: Shawn White, Jessie White, Natalie Matson, Nicole Mclain and Ryan Emal; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; plus many nieces, nephews and a whole host of friends.
Barbara will be cremated, and her ashes interned on her father's gravesite in a private ceremony.
Barbara was known as a very loving, kind and gracious woman, so instead of flowers please do as many acts of kindness as possible whenever possible in her memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
We send our sympathy to Barbara's family. She was a kind and loving person whom we knew well in the past.
Sincerely, Harvey and Diann (Graham) Clark
Harvey and Diann Clark
February 12, 2013
Aunty Barbara welcomed me to the Whitney family in Willits in 1965 and continued to be my friend, advocate and advisor until I left Willits in 1985. Her legacy lives on in her large wonderful family. She was one of the best!. She at home with God.
Karen Whitney Martin
February 10, 2013
I let too much time go by without visiting or writing, but I hope you know how much I love you and how much you meant to me. I remember you babysitting me in your beautiful home, and how you made me feel so special. I miss you.
Melinda Roman
February 10, 2013
February 5, 2013
She was an amazing women, caring, kind, and loving. I am blessed to have been her granddaughter. She was loved by so many, including myself. I learned so much from her.
Natalie Matson
February 5, 2013
To Barbara's 3 children, i used to live accross the street from Barbara and Bill, i was the baby sitter until i graduated from high school. Your mom was an awesome lady and a very pretty lady, i really admired her. May you look towards our Heavenly Father for all your answers and needs at this time and always. Love from your old baby sitter, Bonnie Fender-Harrison
Bonnie Harrison
February 3, 2013
When I returned to Willits in 1972, having my aunt as the school nurse gave me such a sense of comfort and security. I never really got to know Barbara, even though we shared the same birth date.
Randolph D Brown Jr
February 2, 2013
Loving ,kind and gracious sums it up.
Condolences to her family and all friends of Lois,she will be missed.
Sue S
February 1, 2013
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