Barbara Felton

1927 - 2024

Barbara Felton

September 24, 1927 - September 15, 2024

On Sept. 15, 2024, nine days short of 97 years old, Barbara Thames Felton's remarkable and inspiring life came to an end. Her life's journey was marked by fierce independence, boundless curiosity, a passion for serving others and a courageous, resilient spirit.

Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, Barbara and her two brothers, Martin and Sanford (Sandy), were nurtured by their devoted parents, Janette and Harry Thames, and their grandmother "Bubbe" Pearl in a home that lovingly took in relatives of all ages as well. Her childhood was filled with achievements in music, the dramatic arts, and excellence in academic studies. As a teenager, she suffered the loss of her brother Sandy in World War II, a loss she carried with her for the rest of her life.

Following undergraduate studies at the College of William & Mary and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Barbara married and had three children, Marsha, Paul and Sandy. The marriage didn't last and she became primarily responsible for raising her young children, as well as working full time.

Barbara began her 35-year stellar professional career with WROV-FM in Roanoke, then with advertising agencies in Richmond. Before retiring in 1987, she was a Founding Partner and Executive V.P. of 'WF of R', a nationally recognized media buying service. Barbara said "it had been a long and winding road because career opportunities for women were a long time coming." Also, she acknowledged that "while the challenges were significant, there was indeed a 'sweet smell' to success."

At age 60, Barbara enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and later reflected: "I think I was the quintessential returning student...I wanted to do it all...I just immersed myself in the reading, the great writing and the great writers became my solitary and respected friends. The experience was more joyful than anything I had ever done." Barbara graduated Cum Laude, was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, and earned a Master of Arts in English. She joined the Adjunct Faculty in the Department of English at VCU, fulfilling her "lifelong ambition to succeed in another world."

And succeed Barbara did. In 2001, she was honored to receive VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences "Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award." In her years at VCU, she supported and motivated many students, and took pride in years of voluntary tutoring, devoting hours "above and beyond." Barbara was also highly respected as a teacher at Elderhostel and The Shepherd's Center of Richmond.

Barbara served in many leadership and advocacy positions, such as the Richmond chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the Richmond Chamber Players, and various Jewish organizations. She "walked the walk," when it came to political causes. She was an ardent, active Democrat. Barbara also generously contributed to many social justice, charitable and arts organizations.

Barbara had a lifelong reverence for Judaism. She wrote liturgy for, and at times led, Shabbat services. Her longtime membership in a Richmond "chavurah" group enriched her Jewish experience and that of the other members, who admired her dedication, creativity and knowledge. In the last week of her life, Barbara developed and led an adaptation of a Hasidic story for the chavurah using "Zoom," and was already planning for her next chavurah presentation.

Barbara was an impressive actress/pianist/singer. Audiences over the decades marveled at her talents. Throughout her life she had a joyful passion for attending concerts and plays of all types and genres.

Barbara traveled extensively throughout the U.S., and her adventurous spirit took her around the world. Countries she toured, among others, included Israel, Ireland, Costa Rica, Peru, Western and Eastern European countries, China, Russia, and Nepal.

A voracious reader, Barbara maintained her intellectual acuity to the very end. And, well into her mid-90's, she loved being in nature. Her daily walks, rain or shine, even in the face of health challenges, were a vital, beautiful part of her life. Byrd Park and Fountain Lake were second homes for her.

Barbara was an amazing and loving mother. She took great pride in her children and supported them in generous ways as they grew up and later, even from miles away. They, in turn, took pride in her, admired her strength and values, enjoyed her sense of humor, and benefited from her wisdom and impactful guidance. They shared deep gratitude and cherished memories. She was predeceased by her beloved son Paul, and is survived by her daughter Marsha and son Sandy.

Barbara was a life force to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

The community is invited to a "Celebration of Life" service honoring Barbara on April 6, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Ahabah, 1121 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Barbara's memory.