In a life that came full circle in her 85 years, Barbara Poland went home to be with the Lord, where she is now likely discussing scripture with the apostles and being gently reminded that smoke detectors are unnecessary in heaven.
Barbara was reunited with her beloved husband of 60 years, Gerald “Jerry” N. Poland, who was undoubtedly waiting for her with open arms – and perhaps a fire extinguisher. They first met when Barbara taught at the Romney School for the Deaf and Blind. Jerry quickly fell in love with her beautiful eyes and kind spirit – but probably not her cooking skills.
Barbara was the kind of person who never met a stranger. She was always the first to offer a helping hand, a warm smile, or a few dollars if you were short at the grocery store. She couldn’t pass a homeless person without giving them whatever she had in her purse — maybe even the purse. If you were broken down on the side of the road, Barbara would stop, offer you a snack and a blanket, and wait with you like it was her full-time job. She didn’t just talk about kindness — she lived it, breathed it, and generously dished it out like her famous (sometimes slightly scorched) Southern fried chicken.
She was also a woman of deep faith, with a personal library that could rival a seminary. She loved to collect study Bibles — and then give them all away. If you mentioned you didn’t have one or even looked slightly curious about scripture, Barbara would press a Bible into your hands before you could say “Genesis.”
She is survived by her son Michael and his wife Becky Poland of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her daughter Leslie A. Poland of Wilmington, Delaware; two wonderful grandchildren, Rachel and Zachary; and one great-grandchild, Ethan – all of whom inherited her warmth, wit, and (hopefully) a better sense of timing in the kitchen. Barbara had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, and an endless desire to tell stories — especially when kids were around. She could make up a tale on the spot that would leave her grandkids wide-eyed and giggling, usually involving talking animals and magical forests.
She was a gifted and endlessly creative soul, always drawing, painting, or crafting something colorful and full of heart. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially in the great outdoors. The mountains of West Virginia held a special place in her heart, as did the family farm, where she found peace, inspiration, and probably the basis for a few tall tales.
Barbara loved the Lord with all her heart and treasured the conversations that came from diving deep into scripture with others. While she may have incinerated 90% of the meals she attempted, her Southern fried chicken and oatmeal cookies were legendary and will be missed almost as much as she will.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that you honor Barbara’s memory by spending time in scripture, helping someone in need, enjoying a well-done meal (or a lovingly overcooked one in her honor), and always keeping a sense of humor about life’s little mishaps.
There will be no formal services; her family will return her ashes to the West Virginia mountains she loved so dearly.
Rest easy, Barbara – you finally have a kitchen where nothing burns.
To send condolences visit: mccreryandharra.com
