Barbara Atkins Thornton

Barbara Atkins Thornton, 91, of Sandston, passed away on March 24, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Thornton. She is survived by 3 daughters and their husbands, Carolyn and David Milby, Jean and David Anderson, and Judy and Bruce Fleming. Barbara loved her family and was thrilled to have 11 grandchildren: Michael, Becky, Ted, Will, Douglas, James, Carter, Lorena, Christian, Daniel, and Cary. However she once said “the greats are better than the grands”, so it is little wonder that her 30 great grandchildren were a source of great joy. Her home was always filled with pictures of all these plus numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Barbara was dedicated and perseverant, as is demonstrated in her brave return to school to study and to receive a GED in 1987. After retiring from C&O Railroad, Barbara and her husband Jim enjoyed many happy years of travel across the USA. Barbara was a talented and enthusiastic artist, a lover of travel, it was during a winter in Florida that she took the painting lessons which led to her second career as an artist.

A native of Richmond, Sandston was Barbara’s chosen home, and she was committed to its community wellbeing. Barbara was outgoing, beloved by friends and neighbors. She raised her girls across the street from Sandston Elementary School, and continued as a volunteer and supporter of the school for all the decades after the girls were grown. She was a volunteer during library’s development from a clapboard house to a modern facility. An active member in Sandston Baptist Church, she was a deaconess and a teacher in Vacation Bible School and Sunday School.

Barbara spent her last years as a resident of the Masonic Home of Virginia where she was welcomed and nurtured by staff and volunteers.

The family will receive friends at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Av. Richmond 23231 on Friday March 31 from 6-8. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 1 at Sandston Baptist Church with interment to follow in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sandston Baptist Church or to the Masonic Home of Virginia. Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com