Obituary of Barbara Walters Hodge

Barbara Walters Hodge, age 64 of Wythe County, was welcomed to her Heavenly home by our Christ and Savior on December 4, 2022. She transitioned to her new life and body peacefully, surrounded by her daughters, special cousins, son-in-law, and brother. We find peace in knowing that she was welcomed joyfully by her father, grandparents, and many other loved ones that joined our Heavenly host before her. Barbara was born on November 7, 1958, in Wytheville, Va and spent most of her life as a resident of Wythe County. Barbara was the first-born child and only daughter of, Gene Carlson Walters and Rita Walters Copenhaver. Her parents were her champions, and she dedicated her life to bringing joy into theirs. Barbara dedicated the last 15 years of her life to providing round the clock care to her parents. She would not have wanted it any other way. Barbara was a dedicated sister to both of her brothers, Neal and Jason. She spent many of her teenage years and adulthood helping her parents make sure that these boys were taken care of. She held much pride in her ability to play such a role in their upbringing. In many ways, the boys considered Barbara a “second Mother.” Barbara found a new passion in life in 1984 when she gave birth to her first child, Kala Christine. Her joy doubled in 1988 when her second daughter, Karla Jean, arrived. Barbara’s joy came from taking care of and providing for others. Becoming a mother was one of her greatest joys in life. Kala and Karla were the centers of her world, until, of course, the grandbabies arrived. Barbara became what she loved most in 2008 when Parker Reed was born, her first grandbaby and only boy. She doubled and then tripled this joy when Adilyn Christine was born in 2012 and Jemma Grace in 2015. “Granny” referred to her babies as her “life.” She found such happiness in seeing smiles on their faces, even if it meant putting frowns on Kala and Karla’s. Feeding them all the candy, fast food, and Diet Mt. Dew they could hold before sending them home was an almost daily event. These babies never done any wrong in the eyes of their Granny. She is deeply missed by her babies. They find comfort in knowing that they now have the most beautiful and strongest angel in Heaven looking over them every second of every day. Our Barbara was a caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was one of the strongest woman we have ever known and has raised her family to exemplify that same strength. She faced many difficulties and challenges in her life that would have led others to give up, but Barbara faced these with courage and fire. That fire never burned out and will continue to live on through her memories and values she instilled in her children and grandbabies. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Gene Carlson Walters. She is survived by her mother, Rita Walters Copenhaver. She is also survived by her two loving daughters and sons-in-law; Kala and Chad Ayers of Austinville, Va; Karla Childress and Jimmy Alley of Ivanhoe, Va. She is also survived by her loves of her life, her grandbabies, Parker Reed Kitts, Adilyn Christine Griffin, and Jemma Grace Childress. Barbara leaves behind her two brothers and a sister-in-law; Neal Carlson Walters and Jason and Mona Copenhaver. She is also survived by nieces and nephew, Emily, Blake, and Ella Copenhaver. Barbara is survived by a special son-in-law, Jacob Childress. Barbara has many cousins that remain but two incredibly special cousins that we would like to recognize, Sherry Long and Lucille Rich. The family would like to thank the staff of Wytheville Community Hospital ER department, Lewis Gale Montgomery Regional ICU staff (especially nurse Alyssa that bought her the last Diet Mt Dew she was able to enjoy), ICU staff of Lewis Gale-Salem, and Promedica Hospice staff. Rodney and Colby were advocates for Barbara’s comfort and peace throughout her transition. Please join us in celebration of Barbara’s earthly life. The funeral service will be held at Grubb’s Funeral Home in Wytheville, Va on December 8. The family will welcome visitors from 5 pm- 6pm. A service will follow, led by Mr. Brad Barnes, at 6 pm. Graveside services will follow on Friday, December 9. Service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Wytheville, Va at 11 am. If you wish to be part of the funeral procession, meet at Grubb Funeral Home by 10:45 am. Momma, you will always be missed but NEVER forgotten. You left such an imprint on so many people’s lives and were loved more than you ever knew. The details of your presence here on Earth will remain as vibrant as the colors of the rainbow. Kala, Karla, Parker, Adilyn, and Jemma will make sure the fire and strength you radiated lives on eternally. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.