Obituary of Barbara Ann Whittington

Barbara Jackson Whittington of Boone, North Carolina passed on to her eternal home Thursday, March 26, 2020. A native of Watauga County, she was born on August 24, 1932 to the late Andrew Jackson and Lillie Frances Jackson. Barbara resided in Boone where she worked and raised her family. Her former employers were Watauga County Hospital and IRC. She also worked as a beloved housekeeper before retiring. Barbara loved school and was the valedictorian of her high school graduating class at Watauga Consolidated School. She shared many stories of her days in school, but the one that stood out was the story of her teacher grooming another student for a chance at winning the Veteran of Foreign War essay contest. Barbara believed she too could write a winning essay and took the challenge. Her hard work and determination paid off. She won the essay contest and was awarded a $ 100 War Bond and a special honorary dinner for she and her classmates. That was probably the beginning of her love for reading and writing poetry. She often wrote poems about her dear Savior and loved ones and shared them with her family. After the Boone Chapel Methodist Church doors closed, where Barbara had been a long time member, The Boone Mennonite Brethren Church became her church family. She was known to her family as a prayer warrior. She also enjoyed crafting and making jewelry, listening and singing along with gospel music, coloring and word puzzles, and spending time with her great grandchildren. She was a sweet loving mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and will be dearly missed by all. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Linnie Frederick Whittington. Those left to cherish and honor her memory include her daughter, Donna Whittington of Boone, two sons; Terry Whittington of Hudson , and Randy Whittington and wife Gina of Surfside Beach, S.C., one brother, Jim Jackson and wife Theresa, and daughter Cecilia of Granite Falls. Three grandchildren; April Learned, Chase Whittington and Jason Barnes. Six great grandchildren also survive. Proverbs 31:31 NIV Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates. Due to the current state of emergency and CDC guidelines and in an effort to exercise an abundance of caution, the family is holding a private service. But the family would like to thank each person who has reached out to offer prayer and condolences during our time of bereavement. Online condolences may be shared with the Whittington family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Whittington family.