Barbara Jean Ferguson

She was born September 5, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John and Madeleine Albright. She is preceded in her death by her husband and enduring love, John G. Ferguson who died in November 2005. Barbara was a brilliant, strong woman who faced every challenge in life with courage and dignity. She was a source of inspiration to her family, and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

After graduating from Overbrook High School, Philadelphia in June 1946, Barbara attended the University of Pennsylvania. She worked almost 30 years as a Medical Assistant until her retirement in the mid-1980s. Always passionate about Virginia Beach, Virginia politics and community development, Barbara also served on the City Planning Commission (and the unofficial Design Advisory Group) from August 1986 to December 1997. After leaving the commission she remained in an advocacy role encouraging developers to design their projects to compliment and preserve the city’s historic architecture and culture.

Barbara was an avid historian and enthusiastic genealogist. She researched and compiled an extraordinary collection of detailed family documentation--ranging from the mid-17th century to today—later bound into several volumes. Her reach and extended family network were worldwide. Additionally, she was a member of several historical organizations to include the Daughters of the American Revolution (1985) and National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century (2005). Barbara had another secret passion. She was keen on sports cars and manual transmissions—having owned MGs, an Austin Healey 3000, and a temperamental Daimler Benz SP250.

Barbara is survived by many loving family members, including her son Thomas A. and his wife Jane D. Ferguson, and daughter Sally J. Bonk and her husband Thomas J. Bonk…and several grand and great grandchildren of both families. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

A memorial service for Barbara Jean Ferguson will be held at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, Virginia at 11:00 am May 3, 2023. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Lee’s Friends” 7400 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk Virginia 23505. Lee’s Friends provides transportation service for local area cancer patients.

A graveside service for Barbara will be held Friday, April 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com for the Ferguson family.