Vivian Elizabeth Edmondson Barney

Mrs. Vivian Elizabeth Edmondson Barney of Lynchburg died Monday, April 14, 2014 after a short illness. She was 86. Mrs. Barney was the wife of the late Dr. William H. Barney, the love of her life, for 52 years.

Mrs. Barney was born on March 27, 1928 at Damascus, Virginia, the daughter of the late Elizabeth Ritchie Edmondson and the late Wirt Everett Edmondson, both of Damascus. She is survived by three sons, William Harper Barney, Jr (Debby), of Richmond, David Edmondson Barney (Susan) of Lynchburg and Richard Scott Barney (Debbie) of Sandy Run, South Carolina. She also leaves six cherished grandchildren, Anna Kristen Barney of New York City, William Harper Barney, III of Richmond, David Edmondson Barney, Jr. and Andrew Wright Barney of Lynchburg, Darthie Addair McAndrew (Matt) of Fuqua-Varina, North Carolina and Karen Elizabeth Barney of Sandy Run. She leaves a great-grandson, Luke Alexander McAndrew, and many nieces and nephews as well as two brothers, Keith Everett Edmondson (Emily) of Chilhowie, Virginia and Bill Monroe Edmondson of King, North Carolina.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sister, Margaret Ann Parrish (Paul) of Damascus.

Mrs. Barney was educated in the public schools of Southwest Virginia, attended Radford College and graduated from the School of Nursing, Medical College of Virginia, where she met Bill. She was employed as a nurse on trains that served a route from Miami to New York City for Seaboard Airline Railroad. She was also employed by the Miami Florida Health Department and practiced nursing in private practice in Lynchburg.

Mrs. Barney was a member of the James River Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lynchburg Women's Club and past president of the Seven Hills Garden Club. She was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where she was on the Altar Guild, Food Pantry Team, Memorial and Fine Arts Committee and Church Council.

Her greatest joys were her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandson. She loved Smith Mountain Lake and spent many summers there in the house that she and Bill adored. Vivian was a sports fan and proudly supported EC Glass High School teams for over 35 years. As an avid UVA fan, she enjoyed watching games on TV and in person. The 2014 UVA basketball season was a joyous time for her.

Inurnment will take place in a private ceremony at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church columbarium. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Barney will be held at Holy Trinity on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 2pm, conducted by Pastor Dennis Roberts. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Susan and David Barney.