Just as Barbara Wilson Boyd Trevallion of Hampton, had held her children’s hands when she took them to Sunday School to learn about Jesus, they were holding hers when she left this life to come into His presence on Wednesday morning, April 25, 2012.
Born in Blackstone, Va., on March 31, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John Anderson Boyd Sr., and Melissa Wilson Boyd. A graduate of Blackstone High School and a trained dancer, she was attending Longwood College in Farmville, Va., when she met the U.S. Army corporal with two left feet who was to become her husband.
She and Ronald Clair Trevallion of Agawam, Mass., were married at Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Blackstone on Dec. 5, 1953, and were never apart until his passing on their 57th wedding anniversary in 2010.
Though Barbara and Ron owned Creative Crafts in Hampton for many years, where she was known for fashioning beautiful hand-stitched lampshades, both would say that their defining roles were as parents and grandparents.
Barbara leaves behind their three daughters, Melissa Trevallion Hespenhide, of Newport News, Roni Starr Trevallion and her husband W. A. Endebrock of Hampton, and Tia Renée Trevallion of Gloucester, and two granddaughters, Taylor Renée Winstead and Alexis Lauren Leggett. Also surviving are her brother, John A. Boyd Jr. of Blackstone; her aunt, Sara B. Boyd of Charlotte, N.C.; and Ron’s cousin and dearest friend, Dr. Bill Lenville and his wife Francesca of Springfield, Mass.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Rodney T. Hespenhide.
In her later years, Barbara battled her way back from a series of devastating health challenges that might have crushed those with less determination.
Among her extended family are the professionals whose loving support far surpassed what would have been expected in a typical business relationship: Dr. Brian McCormick and nurse, Mary Gorman, of Hampton Family Practice; caregivers, Melanie Muse, Sandra Barnes and Gayle Gamble; physical therapists, Lisa Blandford and Chip Austin, and beautician, Kechia Barco. We wish never-ending blessings for caregivers, Monick Monell and Erica Moore, who graciously sacrificed being able to celebrate Christmas Day 2011 with their own families so that we could share what was to be our last Christmas with Mom.
As they had wished, Barbara was laid to rest with Ron at a family graveside service in Blackstone on Saturday, April 28. A memorial service in their remembrance will be held on the Peninsula at a later date.
Our parents regarded Taylor and Alexis as the lights of their lives, and their hearts’ desire was for both of their granddaughters to graduate from college. Though Taylor has accomplished it, Alexis, the youngest, is still working her way through school. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the ‘Scholarship Fund for Alexis Leggett–Account 11104036,’ in care of EVB Bank, 7132 George Washington Memorial Highway, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Barbara’s memory.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." —Psalm 30:5