Barbara Jane Rochell James Blanchard left this earth for her heavenly eternal home on May 2, 2026 @ 11:20 am. She fought a courageous battle with cancer like no one has ever seen.   She was surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a place at the table that could never be replaced.  She was truly of a special kind.

Barbara was the kind of woman folks remembered.  She had a steady way about her, a warmth that made people feel welcome, and a spirit that ran deep.  You never left her presence wondering what she was thinking because she freely let you know.  Most times whether you wanted to hear it or not.  She knew the value of showing up, speaking her mind when it mattered, and loving her people with her whole heart.  Time spent with Barbara – whether talking, laughing or just sitting quiet—was time well spent.  The lessons she shared, the traditions she kept, and the love she gave will be carried on by those who knew her best.

She found joy in life's simple blessings and believed in taking things as they came.  Family meant everything to her, and she poured herself into the people she loved.  She loved going fishing, especially when the spots were running, she loved being outside working in her yard mowing the grass, planting flowers, and searching for the hummingbirds that returned each year.  Her Sunday ritual was usually watching Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in the morning and Sunday evenings were for Nascar.

She was a woman who never asked for help because she could do it herself.  And if she did allow you to do anything for her it wouldn't be right because you didn't do it like she did.   Her presence will remain strong in shared stories, familiar sayings, and the love she planted along the way.

Barbara loved listening to the piano being played and especially loved hearing Jimmy Swaggart.   She loved to hear him sing and play.  She had a secret desire to learn to play piano but never did.  The closest thing she came to playing was having one in her home to look at and enjoy.

Barbara was born to Dewey Rochell and Lucille Cole Rochell on November 11, 1941.  After the death of her father Dewey, her mother remarried to Dick Bonham, so Barbara gained a stepfather.

Barbara was preceded in death by her three husbands that she loved dearly.  Her first love was Tommie James.  Her second husband was Donald Patterson, and her last and final husband was Kenneth Blanchard.  She was a devoted wife and took care of all three of them during their sickness until their deaths.  We often joked with her about whether she should try it again or not but decided after three she should quit!

Barbara has two siblings left living, a sister, Virginia Ann Lovette of Wallace.  While they did not see each other often, they spoke on the phone as much as they could.  But if either one of them needed the other, they were there for them.  They had a very strong bond.

She has a second sister, Arelene Dyson, (Ray) of Hopewell, Va.  Here again, they didn't see each other often but would be there when needed.

Barbara was preceded in death by a younger brother, James Dewitt (Cub) Rochelle.

She leaves behind 3 living children: Bonnie Lynn Ezzell (Ronald); Teresa James; Thomas Jeffereson (Sam) James, Jr.

Grandchildren: Michael Scott Dale; Carmen Dale Piner (Brandon); Harlee Desire James; Heidi James Tokoly (Brantley).

Great-grandchildren: Hannah Grace Dixon; Emily Anne Piner, Carleigh June Piner, Ellie Jane Piner; Piner Kate Tokoly; Fisher Wells Tokoly; and last but certainly not least is Ms. Jamesly Rae Tokoly.  Grandma thought she was extra special and she was.  She also leaves behind multiple step-children and step-grandchildren.

Casketbearers will be Michael Scott Dale, Brandon Piner, Christopher Dyson, Ed Quinn, David Quinn, Bobby James, and Ray Dyson as an honorary Casketbearer.

Barbara's family would like to send a huge "Thank you" to every hospital staff member that participated in her care.  She was blessed because we know she got the best medical care from some amazing staff.  Thank you with all our heart!

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p,m, on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at The Church of Pentecostal Gathering with Pastor Rodney Bonham officiating.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Wallace, NC.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace, NC