Barbara J. Fairchild

 Barbara Jean Thompson Fairchild, 91, of Madison, dearly loved mother, Nana, and sister, passed away peacefully in Lewisburg, West Virginia, on June 27, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1933, in Foster, West Virginia. She grew up on her family farm in Madison and was always obliged to share stories about her happy childhood and many siblings. A 1951 graduate of Scott High School, she earned and was awarded Salutatorian of her class and was editor of her school newspaper. Barbara was knighted a Lady of the Golden Horseshoe, one of West Virginia’s most prestigious honors. 

Barbara lived in many locations throughout the state with her husband Jim, who was a West Virginia State Trooper, while raising her two children. Barbara was a devoted wife and a loving mother with a kind and generous heart. She was a Christian and 50 years plus member of the Madison Baptist Church. She enjoyed many large family vacations over the years across the continent including trips to Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii, among many others. She loved sitting on the beach with her feet in the ocean and making sandcastles with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

 In her later years, she became a small business owner and operated Town Square Fabrics and Crafts. She deeply treasured her many friendships that were made within the walls of her store. Barbara worked for pleasure until she was 88 years old, greeting her customers each day for over 25 years with a smile and an interesting story. 

One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren, and later, great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a wonderful Nana whose love will live on within all those who are left to cherish her memory. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Darrell Fairchild; parents, Clyde and Ivory Thompson; brothers, Jack Thompson, Richard Thompson, Allen Thompson, Jerry Thompson, and Michael Thompson; sisters, Elizabeth Vickers, Shirley Faye Thompson, and Ruth Thompson Scott.

 She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Arbogast (David) and son J.D. Fairchild, II (Deborah); grandchildren, Jason Arbogast (Jennifer), Joshua Arbogast (Katrina), Jennifer Holzapfel (Jeff), Trey Fairchild (Heather), and Courtney Cook; great grandchildren Jacob, Joshua, Julia, Jaqueline, Emory, Brady, Wallace, and Charleigh; sisters, Margaret Starkey and Pamela Harper; numerous nieces, nephews, and the many close friends that she considered family.

 Funeral services will begin on Monday, July 1st at 2:00 p.m. at Handley Funeral Home, Danville, with the Rev. Jim Butcher officiating. Friends are welcome to call one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow at Boone Memorial Park, Madison.