Barbara Fogle Mayer, born July 27, 1931, in Florence, South Carolina, died on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 93, after a long battle with dementia.
Barbara was a native of Newport News and graduated from Newport News High School in 1948 as a vibrant cheerleader.
She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Gene Mayer, her parents, John S. and Louise Fogle, and her brother-in-law, Sonny Moore.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Donald (Shelbie) and Kirk (Mary); her two grandsons, Donnie and Jason; and the light of her life, her great-granddaughter, Meadow. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Moore, and her brother, Bill Fogle (Dale).
Barbara traveled the world with friends and her church groups. She was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. She touched many lives, young and old, and brought many people to the Lord. She taught Sunday School to the little ones and would get right down on their level, and of course, that wasn’t hard at all because she was only 4’11”.
Barbara was a bookkeeper most of her life and retired from Advex Corporation in 2006 as their Payroll Manager after 20 years. In fact, her retirement party was the largest in the company’s history.
She loved planting and growing flowers and had a beautiful yard. Her home was voted “best yard” by the community at one point.
The Mayer family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation for several people and establishments that helped take care of Barb. The first being her private caregivers, starting with Linda Smith, Melissa Ray, Deborah-Ann Lynch, Robin Utley, and Tommie Seeley. We know they loved her, and she loved them. With their help, Barbara was able to stay in her home longer. We want to extend thanks and appreciation to Medi-Hospice for their continual love and care of her over the years. Our biggest thanks to the staff at Walter Reed Nursing Home between the nurses, the CNAs, and the aids, everyone came to love Barbara, and she certainly loved them. She made many friends, and I know they will miss her. Lastly, just a thank you to Bryant, Walter Reed’s Facility Administrator, for leading a staff that goes above and beyond for their residents and treats them like their own family. A testament to your leadership!
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 18, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 19, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Expressions of sympathy can take the form of donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, ATTN: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or to the Medical Services of America Hospice Care Charity Foundation.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
4 Comments
Barb has always been the bright light in the room. She was a true angle always ready to help when called upon. I cannot even think of the people she has offered a helping hand. Yes you guessed right she was a true angel of God, always willing to give, love, hope and prayer. May she rest in peace with the God that she so loved. See Barb you are now so high in heaven now able to look down on me.
I feel very fortunate to have known Barbara for the short amount of time I did. Robert and I remember her fondly for her kindness and her infectious smile. She is truly one of the nicest people we’ve ever met, and anyone who’s known her will agree. We send our deepest condolences to the family members and may God be with all of you during this difficult time 🙏
I lost my best friend on Mother’s Day. Barb was more than a mother to me. She will always be in my heart and I know she’ll keep an eye on me from Heaven. Say hello to all my family up there, especially my Mom. I’ll forever love you. God please bless this Mayer family.
We went to church at Chestnut Memorial with Bobbi and loved her. We also went on some trips with her. She was always so happy, enthusiastic, and so much fun. We are in Texas and will not be able to attend her funeral.