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Wilma Barnstable Obituary
August 9, 1928 - October 21, 2022
Louisville, Kentucky - Wilma Lee "Willie" Haverly Barnstable, 94, passed away on Oct. 21, 2022. She was a retired teacher, amazing mother and philanthropist.
She was born on Aug. 9, 1928 in Corbin, Ky. At 16, she boarded a train to Lexington and enrolled at the University of Kentucky. After graduating, she married , had her four children and then began her teaching career and along the way obtained multiple master's degrees. After retiring from teaching, she, along with her daughters co-founded the Barnstable Brown Derby Gala. She worked tirelessly maintaining bank accounts, preparing tax returns, and selling tickets and sponsorships. Through her efforts, the Gala has raised and donated over $17 million to establish and support the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at UK Healthcare. This week, she was still making plans for the Gala and the Center.
She loved to travel and loved her Kentucky Wildcats. She began attending Final Fours in 1948 when her future husband, Dale Barnstable, played for Coach Rupp. After watching Midnight Madness this past Friday, she pronounced that "UK has some great shooters and I like our chances." She was multi-talented - she directed choirs, sang opera, was an accomplished seamstress, party planner, former Miss Whitley County, a businesswoman, philanthropist, and an all around creative, strong and brilliant woman.
Willie deeply loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her happiest days were spent with them at family dinners and, especially, at the Derby Gala. She was a wonderful friend to so many people, both young and old. She was a true energy force.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Ellen Haverly. She leaves behind her four children, Patricia Barnstable Brown (David), Priscilla Barnstable, Barbara Barnstable Edelman (Ray) and Dale Barnstable, Jr.; her grandchildren, Christopher Barnstable Brown (Sarah); Kevin Edelman (Janet Luo); Mitchell Edelman (Elizabeth) and Laura Edelman (Ted Strohmeier); and her great-grandchildren, Catherine, Caroline, David, Solon and Bennett.
Visitation at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, Lex, KY on Sun., Nov. 6 at 1:00 with a brief service to follow at 2:00. Donations may be sent in her honor to Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, UK Healthcare, PO Box 34184, Lex., KY 40588. https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/14873-barnstable-brown-diabetes-center-gift-fund
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilma Barnstable
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
Grover Sales
October 17, 2024
I miss Willie every day
Wayne Hendrix
January 13, 2023
Mrs. Barnstable was my teacher at Manly jr. High 1967-1968..loved here...please call Patricia or Priscilla..,,my name is Wayne Hendrix 502-541-8579...I'm a twin also...
Christy and Sonny Hall
November 7, 2022
Sonny and I send our sympathy to your family. May your faith and memories comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Delores Sisson
November 2, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The Greatest teacher I ever had at Noe Middle she always shared stories with class about her Daughters.
Grover Sales
November 1, 2022
I grew up with Patricia and Priscilla
Went all this Seneca and UK with
Them
Willie always treated me so kindly
I was always welcome in their home
May she Rest In Peace
Mona L. Dean
October 29, 2022
I am saddened by the passing of my cousin Wilma Lee Barnstable. She is one of the three Stuart cousins to leave us within three months; each added so much to our family. Wilma Lee always impressed me with her endless energy and devotion to her parents and children. Prayers of peace and comfort to each of you.
Rose Bumphus
October 26, 2022
My condolences to you all She was my eighth grade teacher Manly Jr.High I remember her introducing her beautiful twins to our class and she was always so nice.
Carol M Jefferson (Jones)maiden
October 26, 2022
Mrs Barnstable was my 7th grade math teacher at Manly Jr High (1974) until Noe Middle was being built that same year. I remember her infectious smile!! Rest easy sweet lady
Ned M Bass
October 25, 2022
Wlima was one kind gently sweet lady. A true giver.... I always looked forward talking with her, all her positive energy! She made the Barnstable party the event to be at every year. She will be missed by all that knew her.... Rest In Peace!
Rosetta Holland
October 25, 2022
I´ve had the privilege and honor of working with Ms. Willie over the past 12 years through Churchill Downs and the Barnstable Brown Party. She was always pleasant, and loved to laugh with me. A force to be reckoned with, and a true pioneer of event planning. She will be missed.
Lisa Lampkins
October 25, 2022
As a student at Cochran Elementary as a kid she was a great teacher and cared for us all.
Barry Davidson
October 24, 2022
Sometimes words seem meaningless . ." Willies" beautiful smile and dedication and determination in her work will always make many of us consider her Kentucky's 1st Lady. May God comfort your hearts with beautiful memories at this time of sorrow.
Susan Wilhelm
October 24, 2022
Robin and I will miss you . We will never forget your kindness to us every year at the gala.
Barry E Netherton
October 24, 2022
So glad we met .
Patty Karlovich
October 24, 2022
I am sorry for your entire families loss.
Willie always brought a smile to my face. I loved the visits we had when we met up at the weddings of some of her grandchildren.
A beautiful lady inside and out, her life and legacy testifies to that.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you celebrate Willie´s life and grieve your loss.
Her spirit lives on in Heaven and within each heart that had the opportunity to know and love her.
Much Prayers and Love,
Lisa Tannock
October 24, 2022
Willie (and family) has had a huge impact on the population of Kentucky through her tireless support of diabetes and support of the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. On behalf of all the patients, providers and learners who have benefitted from the center, we express our deep gratitude for Willie's commitment, our appreciation for her legacy, and our condolences to her dear friends and family for their loss.
Tony Dunlap, Sr
October 24, 2022
As a young student at Manly Jr. High School in the early 70s, Mrs. Barnstable was my math teacher. I remember her kindness and how proud she was of her daughters and son. Along with teaching math skills, she shared many of the exploits of her daughter´s dating and acting, and Dale Jr.'s activities, especially golfing. She was a true-blue Wildcat. Being a true-cardinal fan myself, Mrs. Barnstable and I engaged in much friendly comedic banter relating to UK and UofL college basketball.
I will always think of her as a good teacher and a great person. You can tell how special of a person she was in life by the contributions she made to the lives of the students she taught and those of her children.
May the Lord provide the love and comfort needed for the Barnstable family to endure the emotional pain of her loss and allow them and everyone that knew her to celebrate her life and thank him for his gift of love by sharing her with us. To God we say thank you.
Stephano
October 24, 2022
What a Wonderful Woman! With all she did throughout her life, I'm sure she will be one of God's Greatest Angels!
LeeAnn Thurmond Strunk
October 23, 2022
So sorry to hear about your mother. She and my mother grew up together in Corbin, Margaret Gover Thurmond. In fact, my mom sang at your parents wedding. Your grandparents, Warren and Ellen, were also friends of mine. I remember playing with you all when you visited in Corbin as children, I think Barbara and I are the same age. You were blessed to have had your mom for so many wonderful years. Praying for your family.
Dewan Terry
October 23, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss my prayers and condolences are with the Barnstable family and friends. Rest In Heaven Mrs Barnstable
Anita Williams
October 23, 2022
I always told her she was a tough ol bird. I think she liked that description
Anita Williams
October 23, 2022
Willie has been my next door neighbor for 22 years. I will miss her. My condolences to her family
Soozi Dauer
October 23, 2022
I met Mrs. Barnstable while doing my middle school student teaching 37 years ago. She was very welcoming, a bit spunky, and had many stories to share of her life and family. I always enjoyed stopping by her classroom to visit with her.
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tommy Fey
October 23, 2022
I am so sorry the family are in my prayers god bless dale and cyb and entire family
Jane Allen
October 23, 2022
Will miss u terribly Willie
Norman Warren
October 23, 2022
Mrs. Barnstable was my favorite teacher. I was blessed to have her at Manly Jr. High.
I remember her driving in the parking lot in that Chevelle SS that every young man wanted.
A great teacher, she taught us more than math she took the time to touch on other things too, manners being one. I know students today could sure benefit from a teacher like, Mrs. Barnstable.
Richie
October 21, 2022
Deepest condolences to Cyb and the rest of the family.
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