Barbara Elizabeth Dunn

Barbara Elizabeth Dunn, a bold, sassy, one-of-a-kind wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, departed this world on November 8th, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and unconditional love. She lived every moment to the absolute fullest, living up to her nickname “Barbara Darling.”

Born on December 9, 1943, to the late Bliss and Virginia Wilson, Barbara brought a unique spark into the world that never dimmed. From a young age, her vibrant personality was evident, keeping the roads of Mason, WV hot in her Daddy’s tow truck with her host of friends from Wahama High School, Class of 1961. From her parents, she inherited her dedicated work ethic, strong will, and love of pets. She possessed an infectious energy and a truly magnificent spirit, and her generous heart ensured she loved big—every single day.

Barbara's great love story began with a whirlwind romance that led her to marry James W. Dunn on July 22, 1972. For 53 glorious years, they built a beautiful life together on the Dunn Farm in Henderson, West Virginia, a home that epitomized the idea that opposites attract. She could often be heard saying “Jimmy, the cows are looking at me -make them turn around!” all while wearing high heels and driving her Saab to the dairy!

Barbara never met a stranger; to her, every person was simply a friend she hadn't yet shared a martini or a story with. She maintained many friendships, often spanning decades, and she made certain to instill in her daughters the profound importance of these enduring bonds. Her quick wit, glamorous style, and engaging conversation made her the life of every gathering.

Professionally, Barbara taught at the Vocational Rehabilitation Center, where she joyfully passed on her love of art, painting, and domestic arts to hundreds of special needs students, helping them learn essential independent work and living skills.

Her passion for handiwork continued into her hobbies of oil painting, crafts, and quilting. It’s safe to say she may have loved shopping for art and quilting supplies as much as she enjoyed creating her masterpieces. Barbara also held a lifelong devotion to singing, participating in various church and community choirs from her youth through retirement.

Barbara's spiritual life was a quiet source of her strength. She found her home in Christ Episcopal Church in Point Pleasant, where she was a member. Her devotion ensured her children received an everlasting inheritance. She gave them a durable foundation and backbone of faith upon which to build their lives.

An avid adventurer with an eye for mischief, Barbara loved to travel, always eager for the next exciting destination. Whether she was lying on a beach, exploring a new boutique, or visiting her grandchildren, she approached every outing with enthusiasm. Scuba diving, skiing, or attending basketball games, Barbara was always open to trying new things. Her other great passion was shopping, a pursuit she considered a competitive sport, always ensuring she was dressed impeccably and had the perfect gift for anyone and everyone.

Of all her talents and hobbies, her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, James W. Dunn, and her devoted children: Stephanie and Jim Boone, Peter Van Vranken, and Lora and James Sanders. She amazingly, could drive a stick-shift, put on her coral-orange lipstick, and smack all three kids in the backseat at the same time. Barbara was the best example for nurturing a strong, resilient family. She was the proud and fabulous Nana to: James Lee and Kiara Boone, Joseph and Amber Boone, James W. Van Vranken, Jesse L. Van Vranken, J. Cade Sanders, Landon E. Sanders, and Grant M. Sanders. She was delighted to be a great-grandmother to Charlee Mae Boone and Harper Maeve Sanders, and was excitedly awaiting the arrival of a new little great-grandson this spring.

Barbara is also survived by her brother, Gary B. Wilson, and a host of cherished nephews and nieces who loved her dearly.

Besides her parents, Bliss and Virginia Wilson, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughters, Madeline and Virginia Sanders, and her special niece, Melissa Wilson McGinnis.

A celebration of Barbara's full and fabulous life will be held later this spring in Point Pleasant, WV. For now the celebration has started in Heaven to welcome this wonderful, one of a kind woman.