Dorothy Mae Barlow

Beyond the golden sunset

   There’s a land of lasting peace

   That’s filled with deep contentment

   And a sense of sweet release.

   A land untouched by grief or care,

   Where none need feel alone,

   And in that lovely land beyond,

   We each shall find our own.

As the skies darkened, so did the realization that Dorothy Mae Barlow was going to meet her Father. She had grown weary and was ready to leave her Earthly home. Dorothy knew that her time on earth was ending, as she had reached the age of ninety-nine. She had no fear or regrets, for she had successfully fulfilled her mission on this earth. On December 1, 2023, God said, “COME HOME TO ME.”

The home in Chamblissburg, Virginia, where she was born to the late George Wright and Lucy Wright, would always be a reminder of the times of her youth having fun with her  brother, Stewart Junior Wright. As she matured, she travelled to West Virigina for educational pursuits. She learned the trades of cosmetology and barbering. Shortly after returning to Roanoke, she married Joseph Craig, and to this union four children were born: Jacqueline (Craig) Carter, Margaret Craig, William (Craig) Brown, and Rachel (Craig) Lynch. This was a short-term marriage, and she later met and married Junious Barlow. She gained employment in the beauty industry. Later, she became well known and was able to fulfill her dream of starting her own home beauty salon. With help from her stepdaughter, Sandra and daughter Rachel, the business thrived.

Years later after moving to Hampton, Virginia, Dorothy became active in the community and West Hampton Baptist Church, where she participated in the deaf choir. The choir became so popular they were invited to attend Hampton City Council during the Christmas holiday celebrations. The choir performed at several locations, on call, and joined other Christmas Carolers throughout the city. Dorothy also participated in many activities within the deaf community to promote deaf awareness. She had her own personal mission of educating others by teaching sign language to all that she encountered, and by passing out cards showing the alphabet illustrated by the hand sign for each letter.  Dorothy’s disability never hindered her from having a full, active life; from shopping to jewelry, making, sewing, and traveling to time share locations. She was also physically fit, engaging in walking, hiking, dancing, and taking her dog for long walks through the neighborhood, or a park.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Junious Barlow, brother Stewart Junior Wright, and stepchildren: Sandra Reed, Frances Barbour, Sarah Barlow, Howard Barlow, Tony Barlow, and Theodore Barlow. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Jacqueline Carter, Margaret Craig, William Brown, (Carla) Rachel Lynch, 16 grandchildren and numerous great grands, with a large extended family.

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