She was born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Henry Gayle and Rosalie Marie (Jones) Bourne on October 17, 1934.
She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School (Staunton, VA), Virginia Intermont College (Bristol, VA) and James Madison University, formerly James Madison College, (Harrisonburg, VA), where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
She married John William McDowell, Jr. on August 27,1955 in Staunton, VA. She was a loving homemaker, fabulous cook and remarkable bridge player. Barbara also loved to travel and had a great love for animals, especially white rabbits.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John William McDowell, Jr.; and son-in-law, Mark Jeffery Larson.
Barbara is survived by daughters, Diane Larson, Karen List (Robert), son, John McDowell, III (Stacy); grandchildren, Jeffery Larson (Samantha), Matthew Larson (Mary), Candace Larson, Rosalie List, Natalie List, Jessica McCrory (Chase); step-granddaughter, Ryann Spainhour; great-grandchildren, Temperance Larson, Adelaide Larson, Kate Larson, Kade McCrory, and Kannon McCrory.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, VA, with Pastor Rusty Marshall officiating.
There will be no public viewing or visitation at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of North Texas, Attn: Tributes, 1840 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76103, https://www.hsnt.org/donate; or the John W. McDowell, Jr. ’55 VMI Basketball Scholarship Program.℅ VMI Foundation, PO Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
