The Life of Barbara Maxey Thornhill
Barbara Maxey Thornhill, 89, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was born on October 18, 1934, in Roanoke, VA.
She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Robert (Bob) Sterling Thornhill; daughter Lisa Thornhill; sons Gary Thornhill (Charlotte), Darryl Thornhill, and Mark Thornhill (Angela); grandchildren Stone Thornhill, Knox Thornhill and Lauren Thornhill; and great-grandchildren Andrew Harig and Jack Harig. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Gladys Maxey, and her brother Donald Maxey.
She was a graduate of Jefferson High School and Lewis Gale School of Nursing in Roanoke. She served as an RN for Lewis Gale Hospital for many years and retired from the VA Medical Center where she was honored with the Secretary’s Hand and Heart Award recognizing outstanding employees for sustained compassionate and thoughtful patient care. She was described by her coworkers as highly skilled, hardworking, compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile.
She met her husband Bob Thornhill on an arranged date by her nursing friends, after he returned from duty in the US Navy in 1953. In the 1950s, nurses were not permitted to be married so Barbara and Bob eloped to York, SC, and were married on August 10, 1954.
Barbara will be remembered for her dedication to her husband and family, and her servant heart. She had a keen sense of fashion which earned her an award in high school and fueled her creativity to sew, crochet and knit clothes for her family. She was one of the founding members of the Red Hat LaDeDa's which she enjoyed for many years. Barbara and Bob were members of Cave Spring Baptist Church. They were also members of the 300 Club, VIP Club and many others where they often danced the night away.
Together with her husband Bob and brother Donnie, they ran Indian Ridge Camping Grounds at Smith Mountain Lake for 37 years. After retirement, they enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers at Smith Mountain Lake, and they celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries with family on Caribbean cruises.
Oakey’s South Chapel will be assisting the family with a visitation from 7-8pm on Friday, April 26, 2024. Burial will be at 10am on Saturday, April 27, at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke, VA, with Pastor Darren Potter officiating.
Special thanks to Barbara’s esteemed family physician Dr. Vashist Nobbee and Good Samaritan Hospice for the loving care they provided.