Barbara P. "Babs" Black

Barbara P. "Babs" Black passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024, at Skyview Springs in Luray, VA.

Barbara was born in Luray, VA, on June 6, 1947, and was the daughter of the late Dr. Gerald Winfred and Anne McDowell Black.

She was the Chairman of the Foreign Languages Department and faculty member of Bridgewater College from 1983 through 2012.

Barbara spent her life ever learning. She was a graduate of Luray High School, Class of 1965. Then she went on to obtain a BA in French and Spanish from Mary Washington College in 1969, a MA in French Language and Literature from Middlebury College in 1974 and finally a MA and PhD in Medieval French Literature from Tulane University in 1978.

In 1978, she moved to Greece for two years and taught English and French at Frondisterion Manousakis. From 1980 through 1983, she taught French and Spanish at High Point University before settling back in the valley at Bridgewater College.

Throughout her teaching career, her students were more like her "kids." She always took an interest in their wellbeing and education, staying in touch with many throughout her life.

Barbara was an avid supporter and booster of sports at both Bridgewater College and the University of Virginia. She also loved to follow the local Valley League baseball teams.

In later life, she found great joy in playing board and card games with her close friends and karaoke became a passion.

Barbara is survived by three brothers, Charles S. Black of Charles Town, WV, P. Nicholas Black and Richard M. Black of Luray and their families.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Bradley Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m.

Burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Luray.

If so lead, memorial contributions may be made to the Luray Volunteer Rescue Squad.

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