Barbara Phillips Derrow, 89, passed away January 15, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at her home in Broadway. Barbara was born November 29, 1934, in Rockingham County and was one of twelve children of the late Amos Russel and Ruth Grandle Phillips. She married Joseph E. "Sonny" Derrow of Broadway on July 11, 1955.

As a self proclaimed "farm girl" her first job was working on the family farm in the Mountain Valley area that grew produce and raised livestock to sell at the Farmer's Market in Washington, DC. Barbara was the youngest daughter of 11 surviving and dearly beloved brothers and sisters. Early tragedy struck the family with the deaths of her father and toddler brother. But their life growing up on the farm also strengthened their ties of affection and love for each other throughout their lives. Barbara cared deeply and passionately for her birth family and that carried into her Church, work and her own family with Sonny. At the center of her life was her faith in God and salvation in Jesus. These intertwined and were the cornerstone and light for how she lived her days with all her family and friends.

After graduating from Broadway High School in 1951, she began working at the First National Bank of Broadway (now Truist) as a teller for 45 years. She retired from the Bank as Assistant Vice President in 1997 after working there her entire professional career. She then joyfully retired to start her new adventure as a full time "Grandma." Her coworkers at the Bank became an extension of her family where she served the financial needs of the surrounding community with great care as many were friends and family. Her female coworkers became a loving sisterhood she cherished long after her career had ended.

As a lifelong member of Mountain Valley United Methodist Church, she enjoyed learning, serving, laughing and loving with other members (including family members) and those in the community in various roles which included: long time Nursery & Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group leader, Finance Committee/Treasurer, Choir, Council of Ministries and Administrative Board member, the Ladies Aid and the United Methodist Women. Barbara especially loved her time in the Church nursery singing, teaching and playing with the newest and youngest of the church family. Her faith in the Lord was a precious bond that she loved to share with others through acts of kindness, service and comfort. She enjoyed quiet moments daily with devotions and prayer as well as being an active part in her community of faith.

One of her greatest joys was the life she and Sonny continually developed into a deep and beloved partnership. Their love nurtured and developed each other and then extended to their children and grandchildren. Through the years, many vacations, trips and time was spent visiting new places, friends and family. These visits included church visitations/outreach to homes, hospitals and nursing homes as well as sporting and performance events for their children and grandchildren.

Barbara's surviving family are her daughters Susan Derrow and Melody Hinkle of Annapolis, MD; son Tony Derrow (Sue) of Round Hill, VA; grandchildren Sidney Reid (David) of Colorado Springs, CO, Jessica of Harrisonburg, VA, Lacey of Annapolis, MD and Joshua; her sister Verdie Huffman of Keezletown; brother-in-law Donnie Moomaw of Timberville, VA; brother Raymond and wife Juanita Phillips of New Market, VA and many greatly beloved nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph (Sonny) Derrow; her five brothers; Paul (Nina) Phillips, Ashby (Ruby)Phillips, Shirley Phillips, Johnnie (Betty)Phillips, Cletus (Wanda) Phillips; three sisters, Virginia (Galen) Armentrout, Rosie (Ferrell) Hensley, Catherine (Mark Babe) Armentrout, Anna Lucy Moomaw, brother-in-law, Melvin Huffman and beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will have visitation with family and friends from 4-6 pm on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway. A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at 11am on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Mountain Valley United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Norman and Rev. Eduardo Carrillo officiating. Burial will be private at Mountain Valley Cemetery.

In remembrance of Barbara, those who wish may make a monetary contribution to: Mountain Valley Cemetery Corporation,  8288 Indian Trail Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or Mountain Valley U.M.C., 11583 Mountain Valley Rd., Rockingham, VA 22802.