Barbara Ann Curling

Barbara is survived by her brother, William George Moore, Jr. (Sharon Lee Daugherty); and her 3 children, Cynthia Ann Curling, Otis Delano Curling, Jr. (Jan Elizabeth Hicks), and Kevin Allen Curling (Sarah Hamilton Carpenter). Her legacy also continues through her 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Otis Delano Curling, Sr.; her parents, William George Moore, Sr. and Irene Perkins Walton Moore; and her sister, Eva Gaye Webster.

Barbara was born in Chesterfield, Virginia, on September 3, 1933. She graduated as valedictorian of Midlothian High School in 1951 and from Longwood College in 1955 with a degree in Library Science. A long-time member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Society for women educators, Barbara dedicated over 30 years to serving as a school librarian. She was one of the first elementary school librarians hired in Henrico County in 1956, though after a brief hiatus to raise her 3 young children, the remainder of her career was spent in the Richmond City and Chesterfield County school systems. Her final 27 years were devoted to serving the students and staff at Robious Middle School in Midlothian, VA, where she was named Teacher of the Year in 1997 before retiring in 1998 to enjoy many years of travel and adventure with her husband.

An active member of Bon Air Baptist Church for over 60 years, Barbara served in many roles, including church librarian, WMU director, VBS leader, teacher of the Fidelis ladies' class, and as a participant on several mission trips.

Most of all, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family. Along with her parents and siblings, Barbara helped build and manage New Point Campground in Matthews, VA. She and Otis also enjoyed boating on their 26’ Sea Ray, the Bay Wanderer, throughout the Chesapeake Bay and intracoastal waterway. They cherished time at their second home on Sarah's Creek in Gloucester, VA, where Barbara kept her Monopoly board and Rook cards at the ready should any grandchild visit. She found great joy in hosting the annual Curling Cousin Camp in Richmond and the Curling Condo Camp in Gloucester for her many grandchildren.

A private burial will be held at Dale Memorial Park in Chesterfield, VA. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Monday, September 16th, 2024, at 3 p.m. at Bon Air Baptist Church in Bon Air, VA. Woody Funeral Home of Midlothian, VA, is assisting the family during this time, including hosting visitation hours with the family on Sunday, September 15th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon missions offering via Bon Air Baptist Church, honoring Barbara's commitment to spreading God's message of love throughout her community and beyond.