Barbara Ann Kenny—beloved wife, mother, Nanaw, and friend—slipped peacefully into heaven on September 22, at the age of 79. Though our hearts ache at the thought of life without her, we choose to celebrate a woman whose days were overflowing with love, laughter, and a generosity
that never seemed to run out.

Born in Galax on September 14, 1946, Barbara's life was marked by a spirit that was drawn, again and again, toward caring for others. She married, built a home, raised children, welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and poured herself into the heartbeat of her church and
community.

Barbara's love was not quiet—it was active, steady, and practical. She was the one who never let you leave her house hungry, who checked to make sure you got home safe, who carried your burdens as if they were her own. To her family, she was the center of gravity—the steady, gentle pull that kept us close and made us feel anchored no matter where we went.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, John Nick Kenny, and her three children—Tim Kenny and fiancée Alane King; Randy Kenny and wife Terri Kenny; and Sherry Sweet and husband Freddie Sweet Jr.—who carry her love in every step of their lives.

Her joy overflowed in her grandchildren: Michael Kenny and wife Chelsea; Cody Kenny and wife Ciera; Shayla Smythers and husband Dylan; Adriane Sweet; Phillip Sweet; and Eli Sweet.

She cherished her role as Nanaw to her great-grandchildren—Mykah, Malachi, Leeland, Zion, Baylen, Adalynn, Wyatt, and Elleigh—each one a spark of delight who brought her endless smiles.

She is also lovingly remembered by her nephew, Darren Huffman and wife Dana, who held a special place in her heart, and by her dear friend Nancy Johnson, whose companionship was a constant blessing.

Barbara is reunited in heaven with her parents, Martha Marie Huffman and Amel Breece Huffman, and her brother, Richard Breece Huffman, whose welcome no doubt was filled with joy. Her happiest moments were the simple ones: helping her children and grandchildren raise their
families, cooking for her church and neighbors, hosting Christmas morning breakfasts that became the stuff of family tradition. She gave without hesitation, without expectation—simply because love was her way of living. Even in her final days, when her strength waned, her thoughts turned outward to the comfort and needs of others.

Barbara's legacy is written not just in the names of those she loved but in the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Her presence was a light—warm, steady, and unselfish—and that light lives on in the traditions we keep, the stories we tell, and the way she taught us to love with our
whole selves.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 10:00 AM in the Galax Pentecostal Holiness Church with  Pastor Ron Fredericks, Pastor Chris Blackburn and Pastor Randy Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Gladeville Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from six until eight at the Galax Pentecostal Holiness Church.