Barbara Claytor Trail
Barbara Claytor Trail, 79, better known as “Bobbie Leigh” or “Bobbie”, of Roanoke, VA passed away on July 15, 2026.
Bobbie was born April 22, 1947 in Covington, VA. She was the eldest child of the late Pauline Ogden Claytor and Robert Lee Claytor. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Richard Ogden Claytor, and uncle who was more like a brother, Wayne Ogden.
Left to cherish Bobbie’s memory is her husband of 58 years, Henry Trail; daughter, Jennifer Trail Gaddy and husband Chad; sister, Kristie Claytor (Charlie); grandchildren, Haylynn Gaddy (Brauxton), Ashlynn Gaddy (Parker) and Tyler Gaddy. She is also survived by nieces Rana Claytor Buchanan (Dean), McKayla Hoke (Seldon); nephew Michael Hoke (Amy); great-nieces and nephews Justis Beverly, Brittney Scott, Zach Hoke and Morgan Hoke as well as other extended family.
Following Bobbie and Henry’s marriage in May of 1968, they made their home in Roanoke, VA. Bobbie began her career at Moore’s Lumber & Building Supply in the corporate office and worked there until it closed. She continued her career and retired from Our Lady of the Valley where she worked in the Business Office. Bobbie was a life-long member of Edgemont Presbyterian Church in Covington, VA. She and Henry were members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Roanoke, VA for many years until its closure.
Bobbie was very strong and admired for her strength. She recently fought a courageous battle with breast cancer and won. Unfortunately, the 6-month long fight was extremely difficult and included unforeseen complications that took a lot of her physical strength. Bobbie will be missed by many, especially at the three upcoming family Weddings that she was so looking forward to attending. Bobbie was well-known for her crafting, Cold Oven Pound Cake, Pumpkin Dump Cake, Sorority Fudge, Pineapple Salad, Calico Beans and Sausage Gravy. When she could no longer craft or cook for those that she loved, she spent her time enjoying reading and coloring on her tablet. While Bobbie was serious most of the time, she took great pleasure in spreading rumors about Jennifer’s terrible snoring and made fun of her. It was always great to see Bobbie laugh, especially in recent months, no matter what or who she may have been laughing about.
A heartfelt thank you to chosen family members, Trinity Bess and April Fitzwater, for their unwavering support and willingness to help anytime it was needed. The family would also like to thank Dr. Davenport of Carilion Clinic’s Breast Surgery and Dr. Gillespie-Twardy of Blue Ridge Cancer Center for their wonderful care. During her Chemotherapy, Bobbie was met by many smiling faces but she always made a point to look for and say hello to her favorite Nurse, Whitney. A big thank you to Carilion Clinic’s Home Care team members Dana and Kathy, who showed great compassion and brought joy into Bobbie’s day. An expression of gratitude to Mount Pleasant’s Rescue Squad for their kind assistance on multiple occasion. Lastly, there are not enough words to thank the staff and residents of Friendship Salem Terrace, Bobbie & Henry’s new home for less than a week, for wrapping their arms around Henry and helping guide him through one of the most difficult times of his life.
The family will receive friends for one hour beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, July 25th at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke VA. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, immediately following Visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made in her honor to the Mount Pleasant Rescue Squad at 2909 Jae Valley Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014.
