Barbara Ann Beckett passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2023. She is survived by her daughter Sheri Beckett (Jim) of Fairfax, VA; her daughter Shannon Patterson (Pip) of Fairfax, VA; her grandson Joshua Patterson (Sarah) of Round Hill, VA; her granddaughters, Caleigh Patterson of Fairfax, VA; Jessica Patterson of Fairfax, VA.; Kerrigan Patterson of Fairfax, VA; and her former spouse George Beckett of Heathsville, VA. She was preceded in death by her father; Millard Bowman, her mother; Edna Ramsey Bowman; her sister Lillian Jo Bowman, and her former spouse; Nicholas Combs.
Barbara was born in Richmond, Kentucky to Millard Bowman and Edna Ramsey Bowman on July 20, 1937. She graduated from Madison High School in Richmond, KY in 1955. She held two bachelor’s degrees from what was then Eastern Kentucky State University, now Eastern Kentucky University, a Bachelor’s of Science in 1959 and a Bachelor’s of Arts in 1961.
Barbara dedicated her life to her family, friends, and to the children she taught. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, supporting all the swimming, football, wrestling, basketball, dance, ice-skating and art events her grandchildren were in for years. She was a loving, caring, and supportive shining light to all that knew her, always making friends with those around her. Barbara was always up for a good time be it a social outing, movie, music, or just a great conversation. She was a teacher for more than 50 years, 34 of which were taught at Fairfax High School, where she loved the students, teachers, and staff. She was a passionate teacher who impacted many students’ lives by spending extra time helping them academically or through a tough time. To know her was to love everything about her and she will be truly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be sent to the American Lung Association to help those with lung diseases.
