Barbara Poff Stump

Barbara Poff Stump, 81, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on November 4, 2012.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Grace Episcopal Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Don Harrison assisted by the Rev. Dean Taylor. Following the service, a private interment of ashes of will be held in the Columbarium Garden, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall, where the family will greet friends and relatives.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Guy William and Ella Boone Poff; brothers, Arthur Poff and Victor Poff; grandson, J.D. Stump and her beloved husband of 60 years, George Thomas Stump.

She is survived by her four children; Deborah Stump Thompson, Gary T. Stump, Rebecca Stump Rogers, John B. Stump and wife Lisa. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and their spouses; Matthew and Angela Thompson, Eric and Monica Thompson, Roy Stump, Jennifer Stump, Beth and Clint Kinsey, Paul Rogers, Katie Rogers, Michael and Ginny Stump, and Michelle Stump as well as five great grandchildren; Kaelyn, Olivia, Tyler, Ella and Emerson.

Barbara attended school in her native Virginia and then Flora Macdonald College and Radford College, but her "career"' was her family. A volunteer at her children's schools, and PTA president, she was also a Cub Scout Den Mother. For many years she played on a USTA tennis team, enjoyed bridge and a life-long love of reading led her to almost 50 years of oral book reviews to church groups, civic clubs and study clubs.

A devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church since the family's move to Gainesville in 1978, she served on the Vestry, as an adult teacher, as a member of the Building Committee and for many years as chairman of the Meals committee.

Long active in community activities, Barbara was a member of the Lanier Study Club, Blue Chip Club and served on the boards of the Arts Council and the Quinlin Art Center. For a number of years a member of the Medical Center Auxiliary, she was a charter member of the northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation Board and Chairman of the 3rd Love Light Tree. She also served as City Chairman for the Cancer Society's Annual Drive.

Barbara played dulcimer with the Gainesville Strummers for many years and music of all kinds gave her a great deal of joy. With this in mind, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to "Friends of Music" at Grace Episcopal Church, 422 Brenau Ave. Gainesville, GA 30501.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.masonward.com.



Mason and Ward Funeral Home, 1190 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA 30504