Barbara Ownby Shumaker

Barbara Ownby Shumaker, 82, of New Canton, went to her Heavenly Home on April 12, 2024. 

She was born on September 24, 1941 to Max and Alma Ownby of Dillwyn. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, James R. Shumaker. 

She is survived by her two brothers: Jerry Ownby (Donna), Rodney Ownby (Sandra), Sister-in-law Virginia Erwin, four sons: Andy Shumaker (Lisa), Lonny Shumaker (Jenny), Shane Shumaker (Tracy), Jason "Turkey" Shumaker (Tina) and “adopted son” Randy Loyd (Tammy), seven grandchildren : Ricky Shumaker (Christina), Jessica Moss (Ben), Karah Shumaker (Carson), Briana Woodson (Derek), Kinsey Allen (Carter), Joshua Shumaker and Madison Shumaker, eight great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Ainsley, Mallory, Austin, Alexis, Addison, Arlis and Trevor. She is also survived by her best friend, Patricia “Pat” Johnson. 

After graduating from high school in Buckingham, Barbara married James and completed beautician school. She was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She was an avid reader and even served as a volunteer for many years in the Buckingham County Public Library. She loved all things DIY and was a whiz with a sewing machine, quilting and needlepoint. She could use just about any power tool she picked up. She loved southern gospel music and while she claimed her singing voice wasn’t great, she loved to sing along and listen to people “pick music “.  She loved her Lord and Savior, relying heavily upon him, and her husband, James, was the love of her life. She never stopped missing him. She loved her children and grandchildren with all of her heart and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.  

So while we may grieve our loss, we rejoice that she has been made new and is with the Lord and all of those loved ones gone before her. 

Visitation will be on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn. 

Funeral service will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in New Canton on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM with graveside to follow and a meal in the church fellowship hall. For those who wish to bring food, the family asks that it be brought to the church the day of the funeral service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arvonia Fire and Rescue, Arvonia, VA 23004 in her memory.