Barbara Joy Lovelace

On October 9, 2023, surrounded by family at home, Barbara Joy Lovelace finished her work on earth and went to her heavenly home. She was 82 years old. She is survived by the love of her life for 64 years her husband W. Scott Lovelace, three children Teri Lovelace (Marc McGahee), Tony Lovelace (Becky), Todd Lovelace (Barbara) four grandchildren Taylor Sealey (Mary Shaffer), Kendall Derbis (Kale), Van Lovelace and Alex Lovelace, and two great grandchildren, Scottie Derbis and Thompson Sealey. Barbara's parents, Iris & Alex Joy predeceased her.

At 18 years old, Barbara married Scott and they started their incredible life together as he was finishing his engineering degree in Blacksburg, Virginia. They moved to Alexandria, Virginia where family was the center of her life. Barbara was a fierce advocate for her children while Scott traveled for Norfolk Southern. As her children grew, she sought out jobs that allowed her the flexibility to run the household and be there when the school day ended. These included freelance journalist, secretary at the Pentagon, insurance support and licensed realtor.

She believed work was something you love and was not something you retire from. Real estate became her passion and her everlasting endeavor. She used real estate to engage and mentor her children and grandchildren, instilling in them a work ethic and deep-rooted life values. Barbara was a true real estate visionary in the 1970s when she and her mother purchased their first investment property in Alexandria, Virginia. This began a lifetime of real estate acquisitions and development that she continued with her husband and son.

Barbara's interests were as vast as her love and they ranged from sailboat racing, scuba diving, snow skiing, cruising and art collecting all with her husband and family. Barbara loved the beach. After short stints in Roanoke and Atlanta for the railroad, Barbara and Scott settled in Virginia Beach in 1993. She immediately joined Greetings To You, a social group of women that became her dearest friends for 30 years. She spent many days playing duplicate & social bridge, canasta, Rummikub and mahjong. Barbara and Scott played in a marathon bridge group for decades. She loved planning the monthly "Out to Lunch" bunch and could find the best local restaurants for the ladies. Later in life, her granddaughter, Kendall, had the privilege of joining her friends for laughter-filled outings. Barbara loved her girlfriends deeply.

Barbara will be remembered as an adventurous world-traveler, an art collector, a vision of beauty - always done up to the nines for any occasion - and her appreciation of the red wine and Diet Pepsi cocktail. She will be missed for her intellect, wit and loyalty that she freely shared with all those lucky enough to know her.

Services will be held on October 27 at 12:00pm at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Laskin Road Chapel. Followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at hdoliver.com