Obituary of Barbara Stamper

MARION, VIRGINIA: BARBARA JEAN OVERBAY STAMPER, age 53, died Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Francis Marion Manor Nursing Home, following a long and difficult illness which she courageously fought. Barbara was born on February 25, 1955, in Shirley, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late James Stanley Overbay and Hazel Poston Overbay. Barbara's father was in the army for 20 years, thus the family traveled extensively. Barbara spent her early childhood years in Massachusetts, Northern Virginia, the DC area, Germany, and Maryland. In 1963, Barbara's dad retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant, and moved his family back to his hometown of Marion, Virginia. Barbara then attended Marion schools, graduating from MSHS on June 3, 1973. She then graduated from Smyth County Vocational School and Smyth County School of Practical Nursing on March 8, 1974. Barbara worked as an LPN at Smyth County Community Hospital mostly in Geriatrics from 1974 to 1981 at which time she graduated from Virginia Highlands Community College, Virginia Appalachian Tri-College Nursing Program with an Associates Degree in Applied Science, Nursing. After graduation and successful completion of testing for RN licensure in the state of Virginia, Barbara then spent the next several years working at SCCH in various areas of the hospital including Emergency Room, Step-down telemetry Unit, Pediatrics, and the Medical/Surgical Unit. In 1996 she changed her career path and obtained employment at SWVMHI as a psychiatric nurse. She worked until 2002 when she retired for medical reasons. At the time of her retirement Barbara was a head nurse on the Admissions Ward at SWVMHI. In 2003 both her parents became chronically ill and she cared for them in their home until their death fulfilling their wishes to remain at home and die at home. Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Judie Elaine Overbay Goodman and parents, James and Hazel Overbay. Barbara considered herself a very blessed and lucky woman to be able to achieve her life long dream of becoming a nurse. Her parents said many times that being a nurse was the only dream she ever shared with them. Barbara is survived by her loving husband and dedicated caregiver, Charles "Buster" Stamper, her two brothers, James (Jimmy) Stanley Overbay II who helped care for their parents as well as for Barbara, her younger brother Artie who was like a son to her. Additional survivors are her brother-in-law, Denny Goodman, nephew James and wife, Teresa Goodman, special great nephew and great niece, Jacob Goodman and Kimberly Goodman. Also surviving - Brothers-in-law and wives, Bob and Carolyn Stamper, Jack and Mary Ann Stamper, John and Connie Stamper, Jeff and Rhonda Stamper, Barbara Stamper, Linda and Jim Mros, Judy and Richard Brisson, Brenda Hayden, Jimmy Stamper, Tim and Tina Stamper, Ray and Cassie Stamper. Three nieces, Andrea, Jama, and Audria Overbay and her fiancée, Eric Hicks. Three great nephews, Cody and Caleb Bennett, and Collin Pennington. One great niece, Crystal Harris. Additional survivors include her dear friend and caregiver, Nora Totten, who for the last 8 years cared for her and in fact contributed a great deal to Barbara spending another 8 years on earth with us. Other important dedicated caregivers included Ruth and Sue Myers, Betty Hash, Glenna Dancy, Debbie Overbay, Cousin Cathy and John Alden (100 card project). A special thanks to all the staff at Francis Marion Manor Nursing Home. They were fantastic. Honorary pallbearers are John Stamper, Bob Stamper, Jeff Stamper, Jimmy Stamper, Jim Britton, Jay Overbey, Sam Vernon, and Jennifer Quesinberry. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Jonathan Jonas and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Graveside Services will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until time of service at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Stamper Family.