Barbara Leahy Prettyman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at the age of 79 at her home in Powhatan, Virginia, surrounded by loved ones.

Barbara was born in 1945 to Thelma and Guilbert Leahy. After growing up in Greenbelt, Maryland, she graduated from Salisbury University and earned her master's from Loyola University.

Barbara's faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior forged her many wonderful traits. She loved people, especially those who needed to know what being loved felt like. Barbara had the heart of a servant who selflessly created special moments that will never be forgotten by those who experienced them. Her loved ones are thankful to know she will be spending eternity with her Savior.

Barbara had the gift of hospitality and welcomed countless people into her home over the years. Whether it was joining her family for a typical Tuesday dinner or finding your name hand-stenciled on a place setting during a holiday celebration, friends new and old felt loved and included by her.

She was a gifted teacher who made each student feel valued and respected. Her excellence as an educator was recognized early in her career when she was named the Talbot County Teacher of the Year.

Barbara loved the sound of waves crashing against a shoreline, a chilly Thanksgiving Day made warmer by friends and family around a table, and enjoyed catching the sight and sound of geese heading south for the winter. Her excited anticipation of a beautiful snowfall has been etched on the hearts of those who loved her.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard; her son Steve and his wife Kim; her daughter Robin with husband Scott; and her grandchildren Jackson with wife Jill, Mary Grayson, Zoe, Ethan, and great-granddaughter Gabriella. Her twin grandsons, Andrew and Timothy, were waiting for her in heaven. Barbara's sister-in-law Elaine Leahy (Robert deceased), lifelong family friends Vivian Taylor (Glenn deceased), and Mickey and Bonnie Wright, are all greatly loved and reside in Easton, MD. The family will have a small, private gathering to honor Barbara's beautiful and loving legacy.

Capital District Youth For Christ has created a memorial scholarship fund for students with limited resources. If you would like to contribute, please visit www.cdyfc.org/give and add "In Memory of Barbara Prettyman" in the note area.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Star Democrat on Apr. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Prettyman

2 Entries

My third grade teacher. If I remember correctly, she took us to her house which was across the street from the school to watch the tv coverage of one of the moon landings.

April 21, 2025

Vicki Johnson Morris

April 15, 2025

Mrs Prettyman was always my favorite teacher in St Michaels, MD. As a third grader, she would read to us everyday in her classroom. I had the pleasure of seeing her many years later and she even remembered my name. Always so sweet.

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