EDMONDS
Barbara Louise Bigony Edmonds passed away March 19, 2022 in her Richmond home at 87.
Born in Clifton Forge, VA to Dr. John Charlton Bigony and Ruby Gladys Ward Bigony, R.N., Barbara grew up in Hinton, WV and moved to Richmond with her mother and sister, after her father passed away on the eve of World War II.
She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and the Johnston Willis School of Nursing in 1955. She married John Willis Edmonds, III at Second Presbyterian Church, where she was a member. Barbara was later baptized in her husband’s church, Second Baptist on West Franklin Street, and while rearing three sons, served as president of the West End Junior Women’s Club and volunteered for the American Red Cross. Her career as a registered nurse included work in the operating room, doctor’s office, floor duty, and Home Health.
She later channeled her organizational enthusiasm and considerable skills in needle arts by joining the Southside Virginia Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild in 1982 and served the chapter as President, Ways & Means Chairman, Education Chairman, and Second Vice President for Membership. She served ANG on the national level as Director of Educational Services, member of the Nominating Committee, in the ANG Shop, and wrote “Points In Print” for Needle Pointers. Barbara also volunteered for the National Academy of Needle Arts.
The Edmonds household became home to numerous family members and friends over the years, where the sole condition asked of household members was to care for this extended family’s generations of dogs and cats. Barbara will be remembered for her good nature, delight in company, and her company’s delight in her. Time only honed her sharp wit; her loved ones will fondly recall her humorous one-liners and the sparkle in her eyes at a good joke. Barbara’s most significant contributions remain the generosity, help, and care she gladly provided to friends and family over the decades. She was always there for everyone.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband and their youngest son, Meade Spicer Edmonds.
She is survived by her sister, Martha Josephine Bigony Briers of Hinton, WV; her son, John Willis Edmonds, IV of Milan, Italy; her son, David Charlton Edmonds of St. Louis and his wife, Jean Musial, Edmonds; her grandson, Andrew Charlton Edmonds of Austin, TX and his wife, Annie Duggan Edmonds; her great-grandson, Owen Philip Edmonds; two granddaughters, Lindsey Musial Edmonds Sears of Boston, MA and her husband, Matthew Daniel Sears, and Allison Lillian Edmonds of Nashville.
The Edmondses thank Ann Reynolds, Linda Coy, Cassandra Wyche, Christina Marchi, and Briana Owens-Morrison for their professional, constant, and heartfelt care of Barbara in her later years.
The family received at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue, on Friday, March 25th, from five to seven p.m. The memorial service was held in Second Baptist Church’s Powell Chapel at Gaskins and River Roads on Saturday, March 26th, at three p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested donations to Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229.
Information submitted by Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory of Richmond, VA.
