Barbara D. Braden

SWOOPE – Barbara Huffman Dickey Braden, beloved "Nanu," 78, of Swoope, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
She was born in McDowell, Virginia on July 4, 1946, the daughter of William Rankin Huffman and Alma Virginia (Bodkin) Huffman. She graduated from Highland High School in 1964 and Elizabeth Brant School of Business in 1965. Upon graduation from there, she went to work for what is now Columbia Gas of Virginia, and retired in June 2000 with 35 years of service. Barbara's retirement years were filled with enjoying her children and grandchildren, going to yard sales, playing the slots at Charlestown, and collecting sea shells at the beach. She also enjoyed attending Afton Chapel with her family, where her grandson serves as lay pastor.
Barbara loved fiercely and never missed an opportunity to share the pride she felt for each of her family members, especially her grandchildren. To be loved by Barbara was a gift. Whether it was a personalized birthday present, a cooler full of food, a visit, a FaceTime call, or a "like" and comment on Facebook, she always knew exactly how to remind you that you were special to her. Barbara was selfless, kindhearted, and unshakable. Her family looked to her for guidance for day-to-day happenings as well as for big life decisions, and she always provided unconditional love, support and wisdom in return. She was admired for how deeply she loved and cared for others. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Barbara know that the world was a better place because she was in it.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James H. Huffman; nephew Timothy Spitzer; niece Tina Spitzer; brother-in-law Ralph M. Spitzer; and sister-in-law Maxine Huffman. Barbara was also preceded in death by her first love and the father of her children, M. Archie Dickey, Jr., in 1978; and her second love, M. Eugene Braden, in 2015.
Survivors include a daughter, Pamela Via (Rodney) of Waynesboro, Virginia; a son, Steven Dickey of Garner, NC; a sister, Joy Daggy (Tom) of Mt. Solon, Va.; a brother, William "Bill" Huffman of McDowell; five grandchildren, Kayla Ramsey (Chaz), Austin Via, Addison Dickey, Reily Dickey, and Lainee Dickey; great-grandchildren Macie and Lane Ramsey; special nieces and nephew Lisa Spitzer, Donna Spitzer, Teresa Gwin, and Jeffrey Huffman; numerous cousins; and special friends including Dale Welcher, Darlene Thomas and Sherry Welcher.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, December 27 in the chapel of Bear Funeral Home, officiated by her grandson, Austin Via. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Rodney Via, Chaz Ramsey, Ronnie "Red" Via, Jack and John Bodkin, Bill Will, and Charlie Davis.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Salvation Army, or local fire departments.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com.