Eva Barbour Palmer

Eva Barbour Palmer, 84, of Lynchburg passed away Tuesday June 20, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Claude G. Stegall and Nancy Hensley Stegall and was preceded in death by her first husband Peyton William Barbour, III and five brothers and two sisters.

Born on January 21, 1939 Eva was an extraordinarily loving individual, whose devotion to her family was paramount in her life. Her unwavering commitment to making her loved ones a priority was a testament to her compassionate nature. In every available opportunity, Eva reveled in sharing and expressing her deep-rooted faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was widely recognized for her unwavering faith in the belief that through prayer, anything was possible. Known as a prayer warrior, Eva steadfastly embraced the power of prayer, never losing hope in the knowledge that her Lord would faithfully guide and bless her, as well as her loved ones. Her relationship with Him was profoundly personal, and she poured her heart and soul into loving Him.

Eva's love and conviction in her faith were evident to all who knew her. Her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ radiated through her words and actions, leaving an indelible impression on those around her. One of the ways she displayed her faith was through her involvement in archaeological digs and discoveries in Israel, where she participated in several digs. Eva also passion for learning which was ingrained in her very being, a dedicated student throughout her life. She wholeheartedly pursued knowledge, constantly seeking opportunities to expand her understanding of the world. With an insatiable thirst for learning, Eva was even pursuing a doctorate degree from Liberty University.

Alongside her passion for archaeology and learning, Eva possessed a deep sense of purpose when it came to missions. The calling to serve others and share the love of Christ with people from diverse backgrounds stirred her soul. Whether it was lending a helping hand to those in need or reaching out to those around her Eva always tried to show her Saviors love through her actions.

Eva’s love for her family, and in particular her cherished grandchildren, Anthony and Ashley, knew no bounds. She treasured every moment she could spend with them and formed lasting bonds with both of them. Anthony’s early artistic promise captured Eva’s attention and she seized every opportunity to nurture and cultivate his talent. Her belief in his abilities was unshakeable, and she instilled in him the confidence to tackle the world. She left a lasting legacy of nurturing creativity, and encouraging dreams.

But beyond her personal interests and passions, Eva's true calling lay in the realm of teaching. For over four decades, she wholeheartedly embraced her God-given purpose as an educator of art at LCA and Liberty University. Her dedication to shaping young minds and imparting knowledge, allowing them to foster their creativity was unparalleled. Eva's impact on her students extended far beyond the classroom, as she nurtured their growth, fostered their love for art, and instilled within them the values of faith, integrity, and compassion.

Eva's journey through life was marked by love, faith, and an unwavering dedication to her beliefs. Her profound love for her family, her fervent devotion to Jesus Christ, her adventurous spirit in exploring archaeological wonders, her passion for missions, her appreciation for the beauty of nature, and her profound impact as an educator all shaped the tapestry of her existence. Eva's legacy is one of love, faith, and a life well-lived, inspiring all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those left to cherish Eva’s memory include her daughter, Laura Barbour Bowes and her husband Rick of Richmond; two grandchildren, Anthony Bowes and Ashley Bowes; her sister, Patsy Ann Stegall Bird and her husband Lee and a number of nieces and nephews.

A service for Eva will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, officiated by Dr. Brian Autry. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hope Out Loud at www.hopeoutloud.com