Barbara Jones Rippon
Barbara Jones Rippon, 87, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. She was born in Ayden, NC on April 27, 1936. Barbara has been a Peninsula resident since 1942. She was a Newport News High School graduate, class of 1954, and a Warwick United Church of Christ member. Barbara retired from the Stein & Smith, P.C. law firm and is a retired Peninsula Association of Legal Support Staff member.
Barbara spent her entire life in the service of others. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, her selfless approach to her day-to-day life defined her soul. She especially shined at being a grandmother.
Barbara was a grandmother’s grandmother who would spend weeks on end visiting her Minnesota grandkids, attending activities, performances, and events, and participating in family adventures at home and abroad. Her Virginia grandkids experienced the same love and commitment, and Grandma Buffy never missed a Little League game, pop Warner game, cheerleading competition, or dance recital. She even volunteered at the elementary school where she was the grandmother to all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glennie R. and Eleanor M. Jones, and brothers, Douglas C. Jones and Harry G. Jones.
Barbara is survived by her two sons, Timothy W. Nelson and his wife Anne of Montpelier, VA, and Stephen C. Nelson and his husband Peter Vitale of Avon, NC; stepdaughter, Traci McAbee and her husband David of Florida; stepson, Tim Rippon and his wife Lynn of Virginia Beach; two sisters, Mary J. Lenhart and her husband Bucky of Newport News, and Betty J. Deans of Hampton; sister-in-law, Jean T. Jones of Georgetown, SC; seven grandchildren, Timothy Nelson (Emily) of Round Hill, VA, Laura Nelson of Portsmouth, Maria Nelson of VA Beach, Roy Nelson of Denver, CO, AJ Nelson of St. Paul, MN, Sam Nelson of Bozeman, MT, Nick McAbee (Audrey) of Yorktown, VA; three great-grandsons, Timothy “Tripp” Nelson of Round Hill, VA, Connor and Camden McAbee of Yorktown, VA.
Barbara’s sons would like to specifically acknowledge her niece, Sandra Deans-Snyder, who provided excellent in-home care, as well as the nurses and staff at the Select Specialty Hospital at Riverside Hospital. Their caring and compassion towards her and the family during this difficult time was tremendous. The family was truly touched by their outpouring of love.
At Barbara’s request, there will be no funeral. Memorials may be contributions to the Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3700 Huntington Ave, Newport News, VA 23604.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.