Obituaries

Barbara Jane Spiers, 83, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia.

Born on December 3, 1942, she was the devoted daughter of the late Stella Mae Parker and Jessie Artwell Woods. Barbara graduated from Newport News High School and went on to build a dedicated career in the auto and home insurance industry with Nationwide Insurance. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, she began her journey as a secretary, eventually advancing to become the office manager and a successful insurance agent herself.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Barbara was a member of several churches throughout her life and always remained highly active with her congregation. She had a genuine servant’s heart, always quick to greet everyone with a warm smile and provide comfort to friends in their moments of need.

Outside of her career and church community, Barbara found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was a wonderful cook and held a deep love for the Christmas season, making it a special time for those around her. She cherished attending and watching local car races with her family and loved traveling with her husband to special retreats during the warmer months of the year.

Barbara is survived by her faithful and beloved daughter Angela (Rouse) Reeves-Norman; her sister-in-law Alice Morgan; and her two nephews, Richard “Rick,” wife, Virginia Woods, and Artie Woods. Along with her dearest friends, Nellie and husband Jennings Coley, Rose and husband Ed Via, and Keith Bellow, the best friend of her late husband Bunny Spiers.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Pine Chapel Baptist Church in Hampton, followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Peninsula Memorial Park.