Barbara Ward Wooten, age 85, of North Wilkesboro, NC, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. Ms. Wooten was born on November 29, 1940, in Thomasville, NC to the late Herbert and Annie Ward. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Wooten; her sister, Christine Cockerham; and her daughter, Pam.

Barbara lived a life centered on caring for others. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 50 years, working until the age of 80 before retiring following the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her career, she served in several nursing homes. Barbara often worked long hours so that fellow coworkers could spend special time with their families, always putting others before herself. Barbara and her husband fostered many children over the years. She also had a deep love for animals and was known to take in any dog or cat that needed nursing back to health, sometimes keeping them as her own or keeping them until they could be adopted or find a good home. Her grandfather was the well-known banjo picker Wade Ward, whose music was widely known in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In her younger years, Barbara even worked as a bartender, but no matter where life took her, she always had a love for people. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family. She was especially proud of her son Michael and his wife Melissa. Her granddaughter, Olivia also held a very special place in her heart. Her most favorite thing to do when she wasn't working was to visit with her sisters who lived in Virginia.

Barbara is survived by her son, Michael Halsey and wife Melissa of Yadkinville, NC; one sister, Dorothy Heffinger and husband Charlie of Independence, VA; one granddaughter, Olivia Stroud of Yadkinville, NC; two nephews, Mark Heffinger of Independence, VA and Therron Billings of Galax, VA; and her special friends, Diane Carell of Harmony, NC and Georgia.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Chestnut Hill Cemetery with Bro. Matthew Adams officiating.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Wooten family.