Barbara Gray Powers

Barbara Gray Powers, 84, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 in her home with her loving husband, Johnny Powers by her side.

Barbara was born on May 7, 1941 in Bedford, Virginia to the late Gwen Lee Gray and Johnson William Gray. She graduated from Bedford High School Class of 1960 with her high school sweetheart, Johnny. She enjoyed cheer leading and was the beautiful homecoming queen of her senior year.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Gray Walker and her mother-in-law whom she loved as a mother, Nellie Powers; and her sister-in-law and best friend, Jean Powers.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Johnny Powers; her children Lee Ann Showers (Phil), Brian Powers; her grandchildren, Natalee Powers and Jack Powers (mother Jennifer Arbogast); brother Billy Gray (Becky); brother-in-law Larry Powers (Janet) and his daughter Charlotte Powers; and other nieces

and nephews.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially caring for her two grandchildren as she watched them grow up. She was a lifelong member of Bedford Christian Church, where she was actively involved in the life of her church. She enjoyed spending time by their pool and on their boat at Smith Mountain Lake, her crafts of needle point and pencil coloring. Barbara worked for many years at a local oil company, throughout the changes of ownership, the last being Watts Petroleum. She was beloved by her coworkers and truly enjoyed working with the public.

A celebration of her life will be held at Bedford Christian Church on Tuesday, March 10 th . Visitation will be at 10 am, with a memorial service at 11 am, led by the Reverend Doctor David Walton. A reception for friends and family will follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Bedford Christian Church building fund or the D-Day Memorial.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.