Obituary

Barbara Pafford
(August 17, 1935 - June 13, 2019)

Barbara J. Pafford, loving wife, mother and “Baba,” passed away Thursday, June 13 peacefully in the Healthcare Unit of Woodlands Retirement Community. She was born August 17, 1935 in Wilco, WV, to the late Rudolph and Katherine Kailing.  She is preceded in death by her husband and love of a lifetime Thomas B. Pafford. Barbara was married to her high school sweetheart on June 26, 1955.  They were constants in each other’s lives even when other aspects of their worlds became fuzzy and confusing.  They raised 2 children, a son, Thomas D. Pafford of Durham, NC, who preceded Barbara in death in October 2016, and a daughter, Katherine L. Morris of Barboursville.  She is also survived by their spouses, Laura Collins-Pafford and Bob Morris.  Her greatest joy was being Baba to six grandchildren, Sara Morris (Barboursville, WV), Alyssa (Ryan) Gregory (Cross Lanes, WV), Robert Burke, Liam Pafford, Lassha Pafford, and Kieran Pafford (Durham, NC). Following graduation from Gary High School in McDowell County, Barbara attended Marshall College earning a degree in Elementary Education.  After marrying Tom and spending several years teaching both in McDowell County and Cabell County, Barbara was a full-time mother to their 2 children.  Later, she worked for 25 years as the financial secretary of First United Methodist Church in Huntington.  She was a longtime member and active participant in the church both teaching Sunday School and serving on various committees.  She enjoyed working with and supporting the Cridlin Food and Clothing Pantry – a ministry of various downtown churches, along with other outreach ministries.  Barbara was also active with Tom in the activities and services of the Downtown Huntington Kiwanis Club.  Among her greatest gifts was that of letter writing – short notes, encouraging cards and letters were her way of loving and supporting others.  Over the past 27 years, her favorite “position” was that of being a wonderful and loving Baba to her 6 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Ron Bird of Winston Salem, NC and her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Brenda Kailing of Atlanta, GA.  A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m. at Cross Roads United Methodist Church by Dr. Bill Wilson, Rev. Jennifer Johnson, Rev. Steve Hensley and Rev. Bill DeMoss.  Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the funeral, at the church.  Burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park.