Obituary for Barbara Elaine Whitburn Stewart
Barbara Elaine Whitburn Cheek Stewart, 87, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on March 31, 2022. Barbara was born in Rawalpindi, British India to the late Robert and Margaret Morley Whitburn. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of 25 years, Hiram B. Cheek, and son-in-law, Scott Hein.
Barbara loved to travel, especially on a cruise ship, preferably to Bermuda. She instigated many happy family trips including a recent reunion in England with both of her brothers, whom she loved dearly. She loved working on a crossword and always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress. Barbara had a green thumb and her flower pots were always kept in full - bloom. She was never without lipstick and was quick to offer up a tube if she felt you needed a little perk-up. Barbara enjoyed shopping, mostly for others, and always had her coupons handy. She was a talented seamstress and wonderful cook, always ready to try or share a new recipe from her collection of cookbooks. Barbara enjoyed watching Britbox mysteries, Jeopardy, and NCIS, the old ones. She had a special relationship with all animals and she had many beloved pets throughout her life. Barbara had a great sense of humor although she never seemed to get the punchline right when telling her own jokes. She loved the beach and enjoyed many happy family road trips to see family in the Outer Banks, her latest just last weekend. There was always a “lolly” in her handbag for the lucky young children in her life and an angel pin for the older ones. Barbara was a loyal friend and a rock to them all. She was not just generous in spirit, she was notorious for picking up the tab and over-tipping staff. Barbara was a cheerful optimist who inspired others with her positive outlook, calm wisdom and can-do spirit. She always looked like a million bucks. A conversation with Barbara was sure to set the day straight. Quite simply, she was a class act. Barbara had unshakeable faith and was a longtime and active member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. She was a member and the Manager of Elks Lodge #38. She was a member and Head Teller of ABNB until her retirement at age 75.
Barbara’s life adventures included modeling for the prestigious London agency, Lucy Clayton. She was a stand-in for Joan Collins and appeared on BBC television with Frankie Lane singing “That’s My Desire”. The lyrics are:
To spend one night with you
In our old rendezvous
And reminisce with you
That's my desire…
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 39 years, Gary Stewart; children, Patricia Hein (Carlos Gomez) Richard Cheek (Terri), and Carol Williams (Keith); grandchildren, Courtney Hein (Chris Walsh), Brittany Robinson (Rob), Maylen Cheek, Kelsi Cheek, Devon Williams, and Hayden Williams; and numerous great-grandchildren. Her brothers, William Whitburn (Jill) and Darrell Whitburn; and a host of other family and lifelong friends.
The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 5-7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com leave a condolence to the family.
Barbara loved to travel, especially on a cruise ship, preferably to Bermuda. She instigated many happy family trips including a recent reunion in England with both of her brothers, whom she loved dearly. She loved working on a crossword and always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress. Barbara had a green thumb and her flower pots were always kept in full - bloom. She was never without lipstick and was quick to offer up a tube if she felt you needed a little perk-up. Barbara enjoyed shopping, mostly for others, and always had her coupons handy. She was a talented seamstress and wonderful cook, always ready to try or share a new recipe from her collection of cookbooks. Barbara enjoyed watching Britbox mysteries, Jeopardy, and NCIS, the old ones. She had a special relationship with all animals and she had many beloved pets throughout her life. Barbara had a great sense of humor although she never seemed to get the punchline right when telling her own jokes. She loved the beach and enjoyed many happy family road trips to see family in the Outer Banks, her latest just last weekend. There was always a “lolly” in her handbag for the lucky young children in her life and an angel pin for the older ones. Barbara was a loyal friend and a rock to them all. She was not just generous in spirit, she was notorious for picking up the tab and over-tipping staff. Barbara was a cheerful optimist who inspired others with her positive outlook, calm wisdom and can-do spirit. She always looked like a million bucks. A conversation with Barbara was sure to set the day straight. Quite simply, she was a class act. Barbara had unshakeable faith and was a longtime and active member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. She was a member and the Manager of Elks Lodge #38. She was a member and Head Teller of ABNB until her retirement at age 75.
Barbara’s life adventures included modeling for the prestigious London agency, Lucy Clayton. She was a stand-in for Joan Collins and appeared on BBC television with Frankie Lane singing “That’s My Desire”. The lyrics are:
To spend one night with you
In our old rendezvous
And reminisce with you
That's my desire…
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 39 years, Gary Stewart; children, Patricia Hein (Carlos Gomez) Richard Cheek (Terri), and Carol Williams (Keith); grandchildren, Courtney Hein (Chris Walsh), Brittany Robinson (Rob), Maylen Cheek, Kelsi Cheek, Devon Williams, and Hayden Williams; and numerous great-grandchildren. Her brothers, William Whitburn (Jill) and Darrell Whitburn; and a host of other family and lifelong friends.
The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 5-7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com leave a condolence to the family.