Barbara Woodhouse

Barbara Blakie Woodhouse lost her years long battle against Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, August 24th 2024. The oldest of six children, they called her “The General” under their breath. She always helped and advised them as they grew up. If they made good decisions,she said so. If they made bad decisions, she told them what they should have done. Barbara was the big sister, and she took her status seriously.

Barbara completed her early education at Princess Anne county’s training school. She went on to make her family proud by attending St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Barbara continued to study hard, participate in civil rights marches, and sit ins of the late 50’s and 60’s. We will never forget the night she called from jail after being arrested for refusing to get up from a “White’s only Lunch counter.” Oh, the drama in the Woodhouse household. Ossie said, “ I didn’t send you to school to go to jail.” Barbara always stood her ground. She graduated with a degree in education and went on to teach in the Virginia Beach school system for thirty three years. Barbara was one of the first black teachers to integrate the Virgina Beach public school system. Loading up her car with boxes of honey buns and hot chocolate pacs, she had these treats waiting for her Bayside middle school students when they arrived in the morning. She said, “Everyone doesn’t have breakfast.” She was raised to help her community and “do something!!!”

Years later, she let us know that education was not her first choice. She wanted to pursue fashion. The college didn’t offer fashion design, but the love of style never left her. Her outfits were always stunning.

Barbara is suvived by the love of her life (her son) Amon Whitehurst. Granddaughters, Jaramona, Joyce, and Jarsarsh. Her sister Brenda W. Uzzle and a host of nieces, nepfews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her parents, Ossie R. Woodhouse and Dorothy S. Woodhouse, her brothers Robert B.(Frances) Woodhouse, Donald H. Woodhouse, Oscar R. Woodhouse and sister Beverly A. Woodhouse.

She also leaves to mourn her best friends of many years, Pretlow Musgrave and Joseph Holt.

Also, Ms.Loretta who was always there to help her with whatever she needed. The family Thanks you.