Barbara Lou Nash Anthony of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Monday July 28, 2025, at The Greens at Maple Leaf.

Barbara was born in Statesville on June 14, 1937, to the late Jesse Owen Nash and Rheba Hoke Nash. Barbara graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1955. She lived the majority of her life in Statesville. Barbara was employed by the J.C. Penny Distribution Center on Salisbury Road for 40 years and four months. She worked in several departments of the distribution center and was department inspector at the time of her retirement in December 1999. After retirement, Barbara worked part-time for Handcock fabrics on Gaither Road in Statesville until the store closed in August 2002. Barbara was an experienced seamstress, having been taught this craft by her mother in her teenage years. She did alterations for customers for many years until her health caused her to discontinue this work.

Barbara joined the former Race Street Methodist Church at 13 years of age and remained a member until its closing. She was a member of Hope United Methodist on Wilkesboro Highway until it disbanded and became a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in early 2004. During her church membership, she was active in Sunday schools, choirs, senior groups and craft committees. She began singing on the young people choir at Race Street Church in her elementary school years and continued to sing in church choirs as long as she was able to at Hope Church and Wesley Memorial Church. Barbara was a member of the “ Senior Serenaders,“ a volunteer choir under sponsorship of the Iredell County Senior Center for over 25 years as of 2015.

Barbara spent many hours crocheting “prayer shawls” for the congregational care committee of Wesley Memorial Church to distribute to its members in nursing homes, hospitals and homebound patients.

Barbara is survived by her son. Michael Stanley Anthony; grandson, Andrew Nash Anthony; step granddaughter, Sara Anthony; brother, Paul Nash; nieces, Pamala Zimmerman and Sherri Maynard and their families; nephew Kelly Nash; and his sisters, Robin and Jeannie.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Owen Nash and Rheba Nash; and brothers, Harold E. Nash Sr., Paul Nash and Cecil Hoke Nash.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Gervase Hitch officiating. A graveside will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.