Barbara L. Duff, 92, of Madison Heights, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by the comfort of her home and the love of her family.
Born in Lynchburg, Barbara was the daughter of the late Gordon Thomas Linthicum and Mittie Lee Linthicum. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude Brent Duff, Jr., with whom she shared a devoted and loving marriage, and by her cousin and dear friend, Nancy L. Woody, who was more like a sister than a relative.
Barbara’s life was defined by faith, family, and an unwavering compassion for others. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness through her children: Michael Brent Duff (Anne), Barry Thomas Duff (Sherry), Nancy Duff Long (WJ), and Susan Duff Cunningham (Jerry); nine adoring grandchildren: Christopher Michael Duff (Rhonda), Katelyn Duff Campbell (Harold), Taylor Duff Flagg (Johnny), Zachary Arthur Duff (Emily), Cameron Thomas Starke (Lee), Samantha Starke Bennett (Tripp), Mackenzie Cunningham Sligh (Zachary), Hudson Blaine Cunningham (Ashtyn), and William Jackson Long, IV; and 15 great-grandchildren who lovingly knew her as “Nanaw”: Evie, Charleigh Jo, Georgia, Charlotte, Chandler, Bentley, Blakely, Isla, Jack, Kendall, Ellie, Millie, Delaney, Madison, and Hannah. She is also survived by her special neighbors and best friends, Debbie and Kenny.
Barbara’s professional life included years of service with United Virginia Bank in Lynchburg and later BB&T in Madison Heights. She retired from Flippin, Bruce & Porter Investment Advisors, where she was known for her diligence, grace, and kindness to both colleagues and clients.
But Barbara’s true life’s work was found in her generous spirit and dedication to others. Whether volunteering with Meals on Wheels, offering encouragement through a warm smile or a kind word, or lifting others in prayer, she always saw the good in people and responded with a servant’s heart. Her gentle strength and deep compassion made a quiet, lasting impact on her community.
A woman of deep and enduring faith, Barbara was a lifelong church member and a true prayer warrior. For 70 years, she sang joyfully in the choir at Madison Heights United Methodist Church before later moving her membership to Madison Heights Baptist Church, where she continued to find strength and fellowship in the Lord. Her faith was not only a part of her life—it was the foundation of it.
Barbara’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Whitten Monelison Chapel, with Rev. Thad Decker officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Madison Heights Baptist Church Building Fund—fitting tributes for a woman whose life was a gift to so many.
Barbara Duff’s gentle presence, unwavering faith, and boundless love will be deeply missed—but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the prayers she offered, and the family she cherished.
