Barbara Powell Dunkley, 80, of Swinging Bridge Rd., Gladys, VA passed away peacefully, after succumbing to a stroke, on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.  Barbara was born in Franklin County, VA on February 13, 1940, daughter of Henry Lewis Powell and Mary Frith Powell. She was married to George Palmer Dunkley, Jr. for 57 years. She was a member of Lighthouse Community Baptist Church in Brookneal, VA. Barbara started her banking career as a secretary at Central Fidelity Bank and retired as a manager of commercial loans for the western region at Wachovia National Bank in Lynchburg, VA.

Forever curious, Barbara was an avid reader of literature and coverage of current events. Her life was enriched by her life-long devotion to the public library, her Kindle, and her generous network of book-loving friends. Long before "farm to table" became a common catch phrase, it was a central part of Barbara's culinary endeavors.  Known for cultivating a bountiful vegetable garden every summer, she provided delicious dinners to the delight of her family year-round. Having a tremendous work ethic, Barbara often tended her garden before she left for the bank each morning. She had a sharp wit and a practical sensibility concerning all matters.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, George P. Dunkley, Jr. and her eldest son, George "Sonny" P. Dunkley, III. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Davies of Midlothian, VA (John Siddall) and a son, Gregory Powell Dunkley of California, KY; four grandsons, Landon Dunkley (Amanda) of Richmond, VA, Justin Dunkley (Lisa) of Morgantown, WV, Graham Davies of Portland, OR, and Noah Dunkley of Monroe, VA; one granddaughter, Anna Davies of Richmond, VA; four great-grandchildren, Palmer, Sienna, Garrett and Michael Dunkley; and her brother, James L. Powell (Caroline) of Simpsonville, SC.

Pending restrictions related to COVID-19, information on her graveside service at Catawba Baptist Church Cemetery in Nathalie, VA. will be announced at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Barbara's favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Salvation Army.