Barbara Tyson Horner Wigington

1927 - 2022

Barbara Tyson Horner Wigington, 94, of Claysville, died peacefully from COVID complications, Monday, January 24, 2022, at the TownView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Canonsburg where she resided since May, 2021.

She was born November 15, 1927, in Woodbury, N.J., the daughter of Persis Henzsey and Theodore Horner.

She grew up in Haddonfield, N.J., and graduated from Haddonfield High School in 1945, and from Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) in 1949, where she majored in Psychology.

She loved the Jersey shore and had several summer jobs there. After graduating from college she worked for the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia.

Barbara married Louie Wigington February 22, 1951. They lived on Chestnut Avenue, Haddon Heights, N.J. where they formed many friendships which have lasted over 50 years and many miles.

In 1963 they moved to Tucson, Ariz., and then in 1966 fulfilled an aspiration and moved to a farm in Buffalo Township near Taylorstown.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda Wigington of Waynesburg, and Sandy Wigington, with whom she shared a home on her family farm; her granddaughter, Emily Wigington Johnson Dale and husband, Kable Dale; and four great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Elihu, Moshe, and Esther who also live on the family farm. In addition, Kathy May of Bethesda, Md., was like a daughter to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Persis (1966) and Theodore (1967); daughter, Mary (1974); son-in-law, Bill Johnson (1982); and husband, Louie (2002).

As a long-term member of the Washington Spinner and Weaver's Guild, she expanded her experience, skill, and love of knitting, weaving, spinning, and quilting. While she was able, friends and family benefitted from the results of her handiwork, including wool products from the farm's sheep.

She was a member of Taylorstown Presbyterian Church. She loved to read and was member of several reading groups.

The farm was her cherished home for over 55 years, where her life involved being an active partner in planting trees, tending beef cattle and sheep, raising and preserving vegetables, and occasionally milking goats. She had clearly established boundaries – when Linda mentioned that with her goats' current fertility rate she could have a milking herd of 60 goats by the time she graduated from college, Barbara said the goats had to go, and they did.

She and Louie received recognition for their conservation efforts on the farm, including the 1991 National Arbor Day Good Stewardship Award.

In recent years her favorite space was her front porch where she could enjoy the view that resulted from years of work.

She was able to live on the farm as long as she did through the companionship and support from Sandy with whom she shared her home, as well as help from Linda and many caretakers over the past four years as she transitioned into needing full-time care. Myra Berty, Concerned Care, and Brenda Guzell provided the care over the longest period of time, and were two cherished new friends that greatly enhanced the quality of her life.

The family extends gratitude to the staff of Amedisys Hospice and TownView Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center for the care and kindness they provided.

A virtual memorial service is being planned for February.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be sent to either Taylorstown Presbyterian Church or Washington City Mission.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, Douglas M. Jones, supervisor, Dr. Lawrence K. Donovan, director.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hummellandjones.com.