Barbara Louise Thomas Cowley

Barbara Louise Thomas Cowley died, after a 7-year battle with cancer, on August 2, 2024 at home in Buffalo Junction, Va, with her loving husband, Michael, by her side.

Barbara was born on July 27, 1954, in Norfolk, VA, to Martha Burkle Thomas and James William Thomas.  She graduated from Granby High School and earned a BS degree in mathematics from Old Dominion University.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 46 years, Mike; her brother Lynn Thomas; her sister-in-law Anne Brennan and her daughters, Claire Leslie (Colin and son, Graham) and Hannah Brennan; her brother-in-law Larry Cowley (Cynthia); her step-sister, Amy Clock (Steve), and sons, Jake Porter (Kerry) and Josh Porter; her step-brother Chip (Nicole) and son, Jackson, and daughter, Reese; and her cousin Susan Townshend (Doug).

Barbara was predeceased by her mother and father as well as her step-mother, Helen Thomas, and her in-laws, Helen and Douglas Cowley.

Barbara spent her long professional career as an IT programmer analyst for Union Camp, Roses, Burlington Industries, and Revlon.
Barbara was a devoted member of Jamieson Memorial Methodist Church for over 4 decades where she sang in the choir, served as a Sunday school teacher, and was very active in the women’s group.
Barbara was an avid gardener, cook and an expert at word and logic puzzles.  She adored and doted on her family, her friends, and her cats, not necessarily in that order.  She was an enthusiastic fan of Duke University basketball and attended most of their home games for nearly a decade.
Anyone who knew Barbara was inspired by her extraordinary kindness, thoughtfulness, grace, humility, and generosity of spirit.  She made the world a better place.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all her caregivers at the Duke Cancer Center, especially her oncologist, Dr. Kelly Westbrook, who started as her doctor and ended as her friend, Clarksville Health and Rehab Center and the lovely home health care givers in the last several days of her life.

Her memorial service will be held at Jamieson Memorial Methodist Church on the 24th of August at 2:00pm with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Mecklenburg County Cancer Association.   MCCA, PO Box 311, Chase City, VA  23924
Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cowley family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.