Betty was born on February 8, 1926 in South Charleston, West Virginia. She passed away on August 19, 2015 in Annandale,Va., at the age of 89. She was the oldest daughter of Arthur W. Willman and Etta Beulah (Jones) Willman. She graduated from South Charleston High School in 1944.
She spent the summers of her youth on her grandparent's farm in Spencer, W.Va., raising and selling fresh produce and chickens. It was on the farm that Betty learned her fabulous cooking, canning, sewing and quilting skills.
In the mid-1940s, she worked as a secretary at WESTVACO in South Charleston handling shipping invoices from around the world.
Betty married Peter Barna, an engineer at Union Carbide, in 1946. They settled in St. Albans, raised their three sons and surrounded by family and friends - lived the American dream. Betty and Peter were a team. They enjoyed long walks in the woods, vacationed in state parks, hosted cookouts for family, and looked forward to frequent trips to the beach.
Betty was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in St. Albans. She was very active in church groups and was the head cook at church socials for many years. She was a member of the St. Albans Garden and Women's Clubs. An active gardener, Betty received numerous awards for her flower arranging. Betty was elected to the West Virginia Artisans Guild and produced quilted baby blankets still treasured by their owners.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jo Alice Edwards; and her loving husband, Peter.
Betty is survived by her three sons, Peter Lind of Brooklyn, N.Y., David Lee and Thomas William of Fairfax County, Va.; three daughters-in-law; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving woman by her large extended family and the hundreds of friends and acquaintances who knew her over the years.
Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sat. Aug. 22, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 815 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans with Rev. Dr. Ed Grant officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may call one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
You may share memories or condolences with the family at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.
Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans is honored to serve the Barna family.