Barbara passed away surrounded by her loving husband, children and sister on the early morning of Friday, May 8, 2026. She was born June 15, 1957 in Norfolk, VA to Sophia and Norris Reynolds. 

She was a graduate of Maury High School and attended Roanoke Chowan Community College and later attended Walden University to continue studying Early Childhood Education. She met and married Roy O. Murphy and had four beautiful children: Roy Reynolds, Daniel Murphy, David Murphy and Rochelle Coker (Murphy) and one loving grandson, Jaiden Andrew Williams Reynolds. She was the second oldest of her siblings: Norris Reynolds Jr, Gaskins Reynolds, Tony Reynolds, Reginald Reynolds and Debbie Reynolds.

Barbara loved children, being around children and teaching children and every child loved being with her. She taught briefly in North Carolina and again at Alpha Beta Cappa Academy, in Norfolk, Va. Roy and Barbara moved back and forth between North Carolina and Virgina until they finally decided to settle in Newport News, Va. She also enjoyed History and begin working for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Starting as a call center representative, to customer service to finally being awarded the position of an Assistant Buyer for the retail products division. Everyone knew her and she knew everyone, even the customers. There was a saying within the retail and products division; if you don’t know how to respond to a problem or complaint: “Be Like Barbara”.

She also loved spending time watching movies, spending time with family, getting and winning on scratch tickets and lottery tickets. She shared this love with her father who would be ready to ride to a casino whenever they could. She especially enjoyed her game shows that she watched sitting beside her husband every night. Please do not call when Wheel of Fortune or The Wall is on, she will let you know you will have to call back later. She always wanted to write children books and finally released and published not one but two in a series titled The Adventures of Little Buddy, inspired by her grandson. Barbara, Jaiden and Roy all worked together illustrating each character and building the stories. They were truly a source of pride for her and the family.

She did not give up easily on her fight. She still kept in touch with everyone; friends, family and loved ones. She would always be positive and encouraging to herself and to others. We enjoyed every moment and everyday we had with her. She received her love, cards and flowers while she was here to appreciate them. We know she will be forever with us in all that we do and one day we will see her again. Amen.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 19,2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery.