Obituary - Barbara Bew Woolard
Barbara Bew Woolard was born on June 15, 1940, in West Point, Virginia, the fifth child to Nellie and Russell Bew, passed away October 31, 2026. One of eight children, she grew up alongside her siblings John, Katherine “Kitty,” Helen “Mutt,” Phyllis, Peggy, Ronnie, and Dennis. From those early days surrounded by family, the importance of family became a theme that would remain at the center of Barbara’s life.
Barbara shared her life with her beloved husband, James Vance “Sleepy” Woolard, Sr., who preceded her in death in November 2010. Together, they built a family that brought Barbara her greatest pride and happiness.
She was a loving and devoted mother to her sons, James V. “Jimmy” Woolard, Jr. and his wife, Kelli, and Kenneth W. Woolard and his wife, Kathy. She took great pride in her grandchildren, James V. “Vance” Woolard III and Danielle C. Woolard, the children of Jimmy and Kelli. Kathy’s son, Anthony “Tony” Silvio, was also a beloved part of Barbara’s family.
Of all the roles Barbara filled during her life, being a mother was one she cherished most. It was a job she took seriously and one from which she never retired. She worked in a variety of positions over the years and eventually retired from the Records Department of the Henrico County Police Department, but her family was always her greatest priority.
Barbara cherished her brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. To Barbara, family gatherings mattered. She wanted to be there for the celebrations, holidays, and special moments that brought everyone together.
Christmas was especially dear to her. More than anything, she loved having the people she cared about gathered together, enjoying one another’s company and sharing the traditions that made those occasions special.
Barbara had a gift for making people feel at home. She was happiest when the people she loved were comfortable, well-fed, and surrounded by warmth and family. Her kindness was sincere, her generosity natural, and her love for her family constant.
She will be remembered not only for the things she did, but for the way she made people feel: welcomed, cared for, and loved. Her legacy can be found in the traditions she helped establish, the holidays and summer gatherings shared together, and the countless small gestures that became treasured memories.
Barbara will be deeply missed, but what she gave her family cannot be lost. Her love lives on in her children, grandchildren, extended family, and in the memories and traditions that will continue to be shared for generations.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Thursday, November 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23238.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the thoughts, prayers, kindness, and support received during this difficult time.
