Mary Barr

BARR, Mrs. Mary Lou Martin, 103, a resident of Southerland Place, Midlothian, Virginia, went to her eternal home Monday, December 8, 2014. She was born January 27, 1911, in Margaretsville, North Carolina, and grew up in Emporia, Virginia, one of three daughters of Dr. and Mrs. Cecil E. Martin. Her parents and sisters preceded her in death. Mrs. Barr was a 1928 graduate of Averett College, Danville, Virginia, and a 1930 graduate of Chowan College, Murfreesboro, North Carolina. In 1931 she married Brantley F. Barr and moved to Danville where they raised four sons. Her husband died in 1973 and her oldest son, Brantley F. Barr, Jr., passed away in 1992. She is survived by three sons: James Alfred Barr (Kay); David Martin Barr (Patsy); John Sykes Barr (Patsy); and by 14 grandchildren: Richard Brantley Barr, Bradie Barr, Randolph Barr, Benjamin Barr, Marci Johnsen, Deborah Miller, Susan Farrell, James Alfred Barr, Jr., Jayne Manetz, Rebecca Wiebe, Anne Bell, Mary Brantley Holmes, Sarah Maley, Katherine Holderness, and 25 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. As a devoted mother and grandmother, Mrs. Barr took an active interest in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Barr was generous in giving of her time, energy and resources to the Danville community, and was a member of the Wednesday Club, Y.W.C.A., and a number of other Danville organizations. She delivered mail to hospital patients, frequently entertained Averett students and faculty in her home, and visited and cared for shut-ins. She enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren who affectionately knew her as Uh-Oh. Family and friends fondly remember her compassion, insight, and quick wit. As an active member of First Baptist Church, Mrs. Barr served as a Sunday school teacher, circle leader, WMU officer, deaconess and trustee. The young girls in her church GA group were often treated to a day at her Smith Mountain Lake home, a favorite retreat for family and guests. Mrs. Barr loved learning. After her husband's death, she returned to her beloved alma mater, Averett College, where she continued her study of religion, languages, history, and the humanities. Her love of learning sparked an interest in travel that took her to Europe, England, Ireland, the Holy Land and many places in the United States. She served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Averett College from 1976 to 1984 and was elected Trustee Emeritus in 1986. Mrs. Barr was a past president of the Averett College Alumni Association and was a strong supporter of the college for many years. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 871 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541, with Reverend John Carroll and Reverend Joe Northen officiating. Music will be by Kathy Northen, organist. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 12:30 - 2:00 PM at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Averett University, 420 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541, or to the First Baptist Church.