Barbara Smith Petersen OBITUARY

Barbara Smith Petersen OBITUARY

Barbara Petersen, affectionately known as “Great” by her family and “Barbara or “BSP10” by friends, passed away peacefully in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the age of 95 after a full and blessed life. She was born July 29, 1929 in Front Royal, Virginia, to Anna and Joseph Clifton Smith. She graduated from Warren County High School in 1947. As a young woman coming of age in the Shenandoah Valley in the 1930’s, she did not have the opportunity to attend university. This lifelong regret inspired her aspirations for educating her family, which resulted in ten Norfolk Academy graduates, as well as graduates of numerous outstanding colleges and universities. She was predeceased in July, 1998 by her husband, Christian Charles Petersen, and she did not remarry. She was also preceded in death by former-husband, Charles Dee Griffith. She was predeceased as well by the late Mark Bridger Warlick, her son-in-law. Her children and their spouses, who survive her, are Rhonda Griffith Durham and her husband, Lynn, Jr., of Midland, TX; Charles Dee Griffith, Jr. and his wife, Margie, of Alexandria, VA; Reilly Petersen Warlick; and Kristen Petersen Randolph and her husband, Ran, all of Virginia Beach, VA. She was also blessed with eleven grandchildren and six of their wonderful spouses. who she generously encouraged and supported, and of whom she was most proud. She was further graced with ten great-grandchildren. A private memorial service to celebrate “Great’s” life will be held for the family, honoring her last wishes. Arrangements are under direction of Altmeyer Funeral Home. Please visit www.altmeyerfh.com to read the complete obituary, express condolences and make memorial contributions.