Obituary of Barbara Florence Waller Nealy

Barbara Florence Waller Nealy transitioned from earthly labor to heavenly reward on Friday, May 1, 2020 at Kempsville Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Barbara was born on April 21, 1946. She is the sixth child and fifth daughter of the late Richard and Florence Waller in Richmond, Virginia. Barbara attended Moore Street Baptist Church, where she was baptized in 1955. She enjoyed school and showed true school spirit as a Stunt Girl at Maggie Walker High School. Barbara attended the March on Washington in 1963 and developed a passion for providing presentations on African American History for many years. She attended Norfolk State University and was initiated into the Epsilon Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1967. She married Robert Nealy in 1969 and had two daughters. Barbara emphasized education to her children and ensured that they were successful in their academic pursuits. Barbara furthered her education by earning a Master of Arts Degree in Adult Education from Coppin State College in 1989. She worked as a teacher and provided instruction in English, French, Speech, Drama, and GED in Virginia and Maryland. Barbara used Dr. Martin Luther King’s words to guide her students and others. In addition, Barbara taught neighbors, family, and friends how to drive and was a constant source of encouragement. She also enjoyed working as a Beauty Consultant for Finelle Cosmetics and did the makeup for many relatives and friends. In later years, Barbara worked in sales for the family business, Waller and Company Jewelers. She was a lovely lady who truly enjoyed sending cards for various occasions to family and friends, listening to music, dancing, attending cultural events, volunteering in various church ministries, and visiting various places nationally and internationally. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Ta-Tanisha Walton and her husband Joseph of Virginia Beach and Ta-Tianna Nealy-McFadden and her husband Chris, of Charlotte. Her siblings Richard Waller, Jr. (Jean), Jewel Davis (LeCount), Joyce Baden (Aubrey), and twin sister Betty Gray. She will also be missed by her first cousin Elsie Waller; grandchildren Autumn, Joseph, and Madyson. Barbara is predeceased by both her Sister and Brother-in-Law Lillian & Haywood Moore and her loving companion Charles Simmons. Also left to cherish her memory are nieces and nephews Rick Waller (Kim), Robert Thomas, Aubrey Baden, Rodney Thomas (Evalena), David Waller, Leonetty Gray, and great nephews Alex, Kweisi, Hasani, Dakari, and great nieces; Sequoia, Noelle, Amaya, and great-great nephew Adrian. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara's name to one of her favorite non-profit organizations: The Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. P.O. Box 2554 Chesterfield, VA 23832 The Association for the Study of African American Life & History: https://asalh.org/ The National Council of Negro Women, Richmond Section Richmond Section of NCNW ATTN: Treasurer P.O. Box 1094 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 or, PayPal: Richmond.Section@ncnw-rva.com (Friends and Family Option only) Barbara's life will be celebrated though a private graveside service.