Barbara Jean Chavis, 89, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, transitioning from her earthly home to eternal rest with our Heavenly Father.

She was born on October 24, 1934 and was the second child born to parents, Margaret Parker Wright and Norman Lee Wright. Barbara Jean Wright Chavis was educated in Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1954. She later graduated from Cosmetology school in Augusta, GA, in 1962 and became a licensed beautician. She had several different jobs and was gifted with her hands. she began a career at General Electric TV Factory in Suffolk, VA in 1967 and worked there until it closed in September 1986. She continued her working career at Hoffer Flow Controls in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and retired at the young age of 84, after 28 years of dedication and service. Barbara loved working.

Barbara had an active Christian life. Once relocating to Portsmouth, VA following her husbands retirement, she joined First Baptist Church South Portsmouth in 1983 and remained a faithful member. She participated on Usher Ministry #2, Pastor's Aid, Hospitality, Young at heart, Willing Workers and the Women Ministries.

Barbara married Manasseh T. Chavis in November 1950. From this union they had three children, Margaret, Ella, and Manasseh T. Chavis Jr.

Barbara was the "Matriarch" of the Chavis family. She was an excellent cook, liked catering, spoiling her grandchildren, bowling and traveling. Barbara was an avid bowler, she bowled on local leagues for 55 years and was recognized as one of the best female bowlers in the local Tidewater area during the eighties and nineties. She bowled in tournaments from coast to coast. She also traveled domestically and internationally with what she called "The Girl Crew" . Her international travel included Germany, France, United Kingdom, Bahamas, and South Africa.

Barbara is predeceased by her mother, Margaret Wright, her father Norman Wright, Her brothers Norman and Joseph Wright, and her son Manasseh T. Chavis Jr. Barbara ;eaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Margaret Sills-Allen and Ella Martin, her sister Virginia Poole she also leave behind seven grandchildren; Letitia Robinson, Michelle Sills, Lakisha Chavis, Latonya Jenkins, Thomas Chavis, Glenn Martin, Tammika Patterson along with 25 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. And a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.