Barbara Ann Stanton

Barbara Ann Stanton, a cherished soul and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 18, 1943, in Buckingham County, Virginia, Barbara was the daughter of the late Walter and Annie Dean Ayers. Her life was a testament to love, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Joseph Stanton, Jr., her parents Walter and Anna Dean Ayers, her brothers Walter and Sherman Ayers, and her sisters Marshell Richards and Edith Chambers. Her legacy, however, continues to shine brightly through her surviving family members and the countless lives she touched. She is lovingly remembered by her children: son Harold Ayers and his wife Mary; daughters Jacqueline Williams and her husband Thomas, and Sharon Stanton. Her heart was full of pride for her nine grandchildren: Latesha Bullock, Brandon Ayers and his wife Chanita, Jerrod Ayers and his wife Latoya, Christopher Williams, Christine Booker, Tamika Booker, James Booker, Sherita Booker, and LaToya Johnson and her husband Brandon. Barbara's warm spirit and nurturing nature extended to her twenty-one great-grandchildren, including the devoted SeMyah Ayers and Zayden Ayers, and one precious great-great-grandchild. Barbara is also survived by her brother Percy Ayers and his wife Annie, three sisters, Lois Stanton, Rachel Herndon and her husband Kenneth, Daisy Hayden, and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ayers. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and her love for them was unmatched and unconditional. Education played a significant role in Barbara's life. She graduated from Carter G. Woodson School in Buckingham County and was a lifelong learner who valued the power of knowledge. She was a devoted member of Spreading Oak Baptist Church from an early age and actively participated in the Choir and Usher Board until her health prevented her from doing so. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Barbara's professional journey was marked by dedication and hard work. She retired from ConAgra Frozen Foods in Crozet, Virginia, and continued to engage with her community as a part-time cashier at Food Lion and Reid Supermarket in Dillwyn, Virginia. Her colleagues and customers cherished her warmth and genuine kindness. Barbara was truly devoted to her family and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her gentle spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her family, friends, and community. We hold her memory close to our hearts, cherishing the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. She will be forever remembered, forever loved, and forever missed.