Life story

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Barbara Jean Virginia Grant, a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Barbara was born a coal miner's daughter in West Virginia. In her early years, she grew up with no electricity and sometimes not enough of other basic essentials. Later in childhood, her father took a job working in a shipyard in Newport News, VA with the hopes of making a better life for his family. Barbara thought they hit it big time when the housing that was provided by his new employer had indoor plumbing and electricity! As soon as Barbara was old enough, she and her sister Betty got their first jobs as carhops on roller-skates at a local drive-in diner. Years later, she and Betty traded in their roller skates for dance shoes when they both got jobs teaching ballroom dancing at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Ironically, they both ended up meeting their respective husbands who were their students at the dance studio. Barbara also taught yoga for a short time. She loved reading, art, playing bridge, bowling, golf, and following home team professional sports.

Barbara became a realtor in the 1970's and quickly became a member of the million dollar sales club year after year. She loved selling homes and continued working into her early 80's. After she had to stop working, she would dream at night about selling homes. She loved those dreams.

Barbara was a follower of Christ, and if she knew you, just know she was praying for you. She made it a mission to hand out "tracts" (little booklets on how to become a Christian) to strangers with the hope of introducing Christ into their lives. She wanted to bring as many of us with her to heaven as possible.

Barbara was involved in animal rescue and supported that cause. She had many pets thru the years. She took one of her dogs, named Prince, to a local nursing home to serve as a therapy dog. She loved giving her time and attention to those who needed it.

Never one for spending money on herself, Barbara doted on her children and helped all of them get into their first homes. She also adored her grandchildren and loved spending quality time with them singing, dancing, and watching them play sports. She was so proud of all her children and grandchildren and lived her life for each one of them.

Barbara would never pay full price for anything and her idea of designer wear was at her favorite store Ross, where she loved getting a good deal. Growing up poor, she understood the need to save and to make do with what you have. Garage sale finds were beautifully restored into lovely furniture pieces.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father Charles William Marshall, mother Agnes Fern Marshall, brothers Robert Charles Marshall, Hubert Woosten Marshall, William Herbert Marshall, sisters Agnes Jeanette Robbins and Betty Mae Ensley-Alvarez, and her dearest friend Willie Layton Gordon.

Barbara is survived by her children Glen David Grant, Karen Ann Holm, Laura Jean Grant, Linda Lee Aragon (Johnnie Aragon), and her grandchildren James Douglas Holm, Jr (Kristen Okabe), Cameron Grant Aragon, Cali Madelina Aragon, Cecy Madison Aragon, and her great grandson, Maddox James Holm who will all miss her quick smile and her creative spirit.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 5 at 1:00 pm at LakeRidge Baptist Church, 12450 Clipper Dr, Woodbridge, VA. Following the memorial, there will be a reception at 4275 Berwick Place, Woodbridge, VA, home of Johnnie and Linda Aragon.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara would have loved if you would donate to your local animal rescue. She knew that the local level is where the help is needed most. Also, if you would consider adopting a pet from a shelter, that be a beautiful thing as well.









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