Barbara Kemp Dunlap

Barbara Kemp Dunlap, 89, a decades-long resident of Rockbridge County, died July 6, 2021 with family by her side. She was born to Alan R. Kemp, Sr. and the former Miriam Louise Willoughby of Maplewood, NJ. She loved her Yankee heritage and was proud that both her father and grandfather were long-time mayors of Maplewood. She spoke of idyllic summers of her youth on Montauk, Long Island and said that her goal in attending Centenary College in NJ was to learn to knit and play bridge. As was the custom, she married soon after college and started having children. The growing family moved first to a dairy farm in Windsor, MD and later to a beef farm in Brownsburg. Despite her urban roots, Rockbridge County was home. Her little farm in Timber Ridge was a sanctuary for birds and stray cats and her headquarters for tracking the stock market, promoting conservative Republic candidates and causes, and acting as watchdog over the local school board. Barbara was particularly devoted to her youngest daughter Carol, who she faithfully transported to her job at Kroger for 27 years and to weekly bridge club games which they both enjoyed. “Mom and Carol” were typically said in the same breath, as though it was one typewriter key. She is survived by her five children: Carol Dunlap of Roanoke, Va; Sarah Shelton (Brad) of Advance, NC; John Dunlap (Victoria) of Greenville, Va; Thomas Dunlap (Pam Weisend) of Copper Hill, Va; and Deborah Shenk of Roanoke, Va; brother, Alan R. Kemp, Jr. (Page) of Richmond, Va; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother, William H. Kemp. Mindful of the increased spread of Covid-19 and concerned for the health of all, the family of Barbara Dunlap regrets the indefinite postponement of the celebration of her life. Without a reliable date to gather safely, we invite you instead on Aug. 7 to remember our mother by planting a zinnia, playing a hand of bridge, engaging in political discussion, or filling the birdfeeder. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com