Barbara Gearles Sanderson

Barbara Gearles Sanderson, 79, of Richmond, Virginia passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at her home surrounded by family. She was born on September 6, 1943 in Wilmington, North Carolina and was the oldest of five children. She was married to her loving husband, Wayne for 32 years. As a mother she was devoted to her two daughters, providing love, support and guidance throughout their lives. As a grandmother and great grandmother she doted on her family and cherished every moment spent with them. She instilled in them the values of hard work, dedication and compassion and her influence will continue to shape their lives.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Shirley Shaw and Valarie David (Wes), grandchildren and apples of Nanny’s eye, Stephanie Piwowar (Dan), Christopher Shaw (Stephanie), Matthew Shaw, Danielle David and Brianna David, great grandchildren, Wyatt Piwowar and Harper Piwowar, her brothers Donald Gearles and Dale Gearles, many nieces and nephews and friends. She is predeceased in death by her husband, Robert Wayne Sanderson, parents, Julian Gearles and Estelle Gearles, sisters, Diane Sylvia and Darlene Webb. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who she adored.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229, followed by a private graveside service at Westhampton Memorial Park.