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BORN
1934
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Wilke Obituary
Survivors include her identical twin, Betty Powell; nieces, Frances "Cookie" Woolard, Catherine Bairhalter, Janice Diamond and Betsy Gentry; and nephews, Bruce Bolton, Ronnie Bolton, Richard "Rick" Wilke and Jeffrey Powell.
Barbara graduated from Hermitage High School, Henrico. She worked as an Engineering Design Draftsman for the Virginia Department of Highways, 1952 to 1960. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Richmond in 1963; a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1966; and a Doctor of Education from West Virginia University, 1982.
Barbara was inducted into the Metro Richmond Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame for her participation in the Byrd Park Women's Softball Dixie League, 1951 to 1960.
Barbara was on staff at J.R. Tucker High School, Henrico, 1963 to 1965. She was Physical Education and golf instructor at Hollins College, Roanoke, 1966 to 1968. From 1968 to 1991, Barbara served on the faculty of East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvania.
As her health continued to decline, she moved from Pennsylvania to an assisted living facility in Virginia to be closer to some of her extended family.
Graham Funeral Home, Chesapeake, serves the family. www.grahamfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Wilke
Sponsored by Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Kathy Torch
June 22, 2024
Dr. Barbara Wilke was my tennis coach at ESU. She was a great person. She will truly be missed by all. May she rest in peace.
Ronnie
April 14, 2023
The family has scheduled a graveside memorial service for Aunt Barbara on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, Va., 23222.
Richard Leland
February 13, 2023
Bobby Wilke became one of my treasured colleagues in my years at East Stroudsburg University. She always inspired me to be more active and pay closer attention to matters of healthful living. She remains an inspiration to so many students. She was always much more than a teacher: she mentored, she always believed in the students she taught. I will miss her terribly.
Debbie & Ronnie
February 11, 2023
Debbie & Ronnie
February 11, 2023
Debbie & Ronnie
February 11, 2023
Miss you Aunt Barbara. Always loved the fascinating stories you shared about your life and will never forget the places you took us near your beloved Poconos. So glad you enjoyed your 75th birthday celebration in Pennsylvania with us (see photo: Ronnie, Cookie, Bill, Debbie, & Barbara). Thanks for sharing your woodworking talents, many of which we still have in our home. Your eagerness to share your extensive knowledge of nature and other worldly subjects are memories that always will be with us. Love, Your nephew, Ronnie (who shared your mother's birth date) and Debbie
Nikki
February 1, 2023
I have so many fond memories of BJ. Her compassion for life and her tales of adventures were always a highlight of my day. My condolences to you Cookie and to the rest of your family.
Sending my love and sympathy,
Nikki Hollenbaugh
Mary Reese
January 31, 2023
Sorry for your loss of a special lady.
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Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320
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