Barbara Arlene Kearns O'Bannon

BARBARA ARLENE KEARNS O’BANNON August 1, 1938 – March 19, 2016 Barbara K. O’Bannon, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away on Saturday March 19, 2016, in Gainesville, Virginia. Barbara was born on August 1, 1938 in Washington, D.C., at Sibley Hospital. She was the only child of the late Harvey Irving Kearns and Kathryne Hunter Kearns (Williamson). In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Sherri Lynn O’Bannon (Jerome Cohen, Lady Lake, FL). She is survived by her daughter Teresa “Robin” Riner (William) of Manassas, Virginia; her 7 grandkids, Michael Riner and Kathryn Riner, Ashley Parker (Christopher), Jessica Haydon (Richard), Bethany Cohen and Nina Cohen, and Brittany Cohen-Dixon; and her 4 great grandkids Leia and Carlee Parker, Rex Haydon and Damon Dixon. She is also survived by her beloved dog of the last 9 years, Ginger. Barbara lived a full life surrounded by friends and family who loved her dearly. She was raised in Washington, D.C., before moving into her childhood home in Fairfax, VA, at the age of 15. She would eventually move back into that house with her 2 daughters and owned it until her death. Upon her entry to the work force, Barbara started with the United States Department of Commerce (NOAA) as a secretary. She worked her way up to a statistical assistant in the Fishery Department, where she was responsible for publishing the annual reports. Throughout her career, she was given many awards, including several for outstanding and superior performance. Throughout her life, Barbara was an avid Washington Redskins fan, and enthusiastically cheered them on every season. She flew to Pasadena, CA to attend Super Bowl 27 with her daughter to root for her team. She loved to garden and any given day could be found outside in her yard tending to her flowers and vegetables. She enjoyed spending time with her many friends, including her best friends Michael and Elizabeth Thompson, and loved a good night dancing. Barbara’s life revolved around her grandkids, and later in life, her great grandkids. They would spend every weekend at their Nanny’s house, and if they were sick or sad, they only want their Nanny. They would spend entire summers together and as much as she loved them, they loved her back. Barbara was always insistent about not wanting a funeral, instead wanting her loved ones to have a party in her memory. To honor her wishes, friends and family will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday April 16, 2016 from 4-8pm at the West Gate Clubhouse at 8025 Ashland Avenue, Manassas, VA 20109. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s honor to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Barbara Arlene Kearns O'Bannon

August 1, 1938 - March 19, 2016