Pastor Barbara Winsley Stevens - Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home

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Pastor Barbara Winsley Stevens

Pastor Barbara Winsley Stevens, 54, of Columbus died Saturday morning, July, 12, 2008 from an inoperable brain tumor. As a lover of Jesus, Barb faced death with a desire to glorify God in every aspect of her journey. When Barb learned of her diagnosis, Philippians 1:21 was the first scripture that came to her mind: “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Barb is survived by her husband Scott and her sons Joel (18) and Joshua (15). Also surviving are her parents, Bill and Rowena Winsley; siblings, Bill (Betsy) Winsley; Becky Winsley; Joy (Jim) Prentice; Kurt (Adrienne) Winsley; and in-laws Bill and Lina Stevens. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

After graduating from The Ohio State University with a BS-Ed in 1977, Barb worked as a teacher for the Zanesville City Schools at Grover Cleveland Junior High School from 1977 to 1983. She graduated from the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) in Philadelphia where she earned her Master of Divinity degree.

She pastored the Inghams Mills and Stratford Baptist Churches near Little Falls, NY from 1986 to 1990; co-pastored with her husband the Tri-Church Parish in Readsboro, Whitingham and Wilmington, Vermont from 1990 to 1994; and pastored the First Baptist Church of Richwood, Ohio from 1995 to 2003.

Following her pastoral ministry, she continued in ministry by serving as a dietary aide and unofficial chaplain at Mill Run Gardens and Care Center in Hilliard. She then worked in Dublin at The Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing in the Activity Department until she could no longer work.

She served on various boards and committees with the American Baptist Churches while she was pastoring, including the American Baptist Evangelicals of Ohio. She was also a blood donor before becoming and apheresis donor through the American Red Cross.

The celebration of Barb’s life will be at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Grove City, 3005 Holt Road, Grove City, OH 43213 on Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00 PM. Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 15 from 6 to 8 PM in the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.

Memorial gifts may be made to Richwood First Baptist Church, 101 E. Ottawa St., Richwood, OH 43344 or the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Grove City, 3005 Holt Road, Grove City, OH 43213 or a church of the donor’s choice.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballingerfuneralhome.com.

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#1 from:

Bob and Mabel Meyer
Sewell, NJ

meyerm2@comcast.net

Wed, Jul 13, 2022 at 10:53 PM

We were just looking up former pastoral interns our church has had, and were shocked to find that Barb passed away so very many years ago. She served at the Sewell Community Baptist Church under Rev. Sastic while attending Eastern Baptist Seminary, and was actively involved with our Youth Group at the time. We remember her being very interested in sharing her faith in Jesus Christ, as well as her big smile. How interesting to read on this site of the effect her life has had on so many others! Even all these years later, we are so sorry for your loss, but truly know that she has reaped the rewards of her faith and service. Please accept our sincere condolences.

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#1 from:

Janet (Johnson) Plummer
Zanesville, Ohio

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 7:26 AM

We would like to send our sympathy to the family. We recently lost our mother and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. My sister & I went to school with Joy Winsley.

God Bless,
Janet (Johnson) Plummer & Karen (Johnson) Hardie

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#3 from:

Debbie and Drew Bauder
Soddy Daisy, Tennessee

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 10:52 AM

Barb was my closest friend through junior high, high school, and well into our twenties. We shared many pepparoni pizzas and confidences. We lost contact, as childhood friends often do, when we married and started our own families, except for our yearly Christmas cards and letters. She will always be a cherished part of my life. I know we will see her again. I have to admit, I'm a little jealous that she gets to see Jesus first!

#4 from:

Joel Zarley
Columbus, OH

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 11:47 AM

Barb was my 7th Grade English teacher at Grover Cleveland JHS, and one of my favorite teachers of all time. She was a very important mentor during my young years, and I credit a lot of who I am today with her guidance and instruction back at Grover Cleveland. I remember her not only as an outstanding teacher, but also a valued friend. (Not to mention that everything I know about grammar—I learned from Barb!)

#5 from:

Nancy Waters

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Barb and I taught at Grover Cleveland Jr. High. Our friendship began when Barb assisted me in coaching gymnastics. Barb and I spent numerous hours coaching gymnastics, sharing God’s word, laughing, and building a great friendship.
One of my memories consists of traveling to Kent State for a workshop on new routines. Barb decided to drive her Honda was bigger than mine. We had just left her house, when an eight-point buck with big eyes, decided to stop directly in our path. Crunch! After we hit the deer, we checked to see that everyone was ok (three gymnast were in the backseat) Barb and I jogged to the state highway patrol office to report the accident, call her father to bring us the van and we were off. We had a great story to explain why we were late for the workshop.
As soon as school was out for the summer, we would go canoeing – to unwind and to just spend some quiet time. Every time I canoe now, I think of the wonderful time we had together.
God is getting a special person who had touched so many lives and brought so many people to know the joy of God.

#6 from:

Heidi Arnold
Dayton, Ohio

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 4:16 PM

Wow ! what an amazing woman!
I was privileged to be one of her students and learned to love grammar, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, teaching, and Barb's steadfast faith.
When she left Grover Cleveland, she and I wrote letters back and forth. During such a time in my life, she was much needed to guide me through with scripture and sound advice.
The ripples of her influence will not end with her entrance to heaven!

#7 from:

micky graham
Highlands Texas

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 5:11 PM

It is with deep regret Ihave learned of Barbara`s passing. Not ever having a daughter, she was one of many girls I called my own. Along with her sisters I have many pleasant memories. "Well done my good and faithful servant" describes Barbara. My condolences to all the family.

#8 from:

Carole Winsley
Amesville, Ohio

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 6:46 PM

Uncle Scott, Joel, and Joshua,
While we are glad that Aunt Barb is at home with the Lord, we know that these days are very tough for you. Please know that you are, and will contiue to be, in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike, Carole (Winsley), Abigail, and Joseph Householder

#9 from:

Ed and Vineta Brown
Richwood, Ohio

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 9:21 PM

Dear Scott, Joel, and Joshua,
You have been in our prayers during this difficult time of Barb's illness and we will continue thinking of you during these days of loss. Your memories will be a source of comfort in the days to come. You have the assurance that your wife and mother is in the presence of her Lord. Sincerely, Ed and Vineta

#10 from:

Georgiana Mangels
Zanesville OH

Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 10:38 PM

My sincere sympathy to the Winsley Fsmily. If my husband (Bill) was still living, I know that he would be expressing his sympathy to you.

#11 from:

Rev Jerry Bentley
Jefferson, Ohio

Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 11:10 AM

Scott, Joel, Joshua,

Cathey and I want you to know that we are in prayer for you, that you will know God's strength, and comfort, His eternal presence and assurances. Scott, you probably do not know us but Joel and Joshua have met us at Richwood First Baptist. I was their most recent pastor. I am so sorry for your loss.

In Sincere Christian Sympathy
Rev Jerry and Cathey Bentley
pjerrybentley@embarqmail.com

Galatians 2.20

#12 from:

Crystal Engle
Zanesville,OH

Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 10:35 PM

Barb put a new meaning into the term "spunk." She never held back and told you just how things were, particularly when it came to the Bible. Without her and Joy, I would still be wandering in darkness. I cannot put into words how much I will miss her. I will keep you all in my prayers.

#13 from:

Pam Furr
Utica

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 8:59 AM

Barb was truly one of the most special people God has ever placed on this earth! She blessed so many and brought so many to the Lord. She always knew just what to say and when to say it. I will miss her so very much and will certainly be keeping Scott, Joel and Josh in my thoughts and prayers.

#14 from:

Nicole Swihart Gheen
Cardington

Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 9:19 PM

I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. Your mom/wife was an incredible woman. I really enjoyed working with her as the church secretary at the 1st Baptist church in Richwood. I remember her asking me one day at the church "Whatever happened to that High school girl who wanted so badly to be a missionary?" I have thought of her saying that almost everyday since then and just wanted you to know that God has used those words to push me forward. I am looking forward to graduating some day with a degree in Pastorial Studies with a plan to be a missionary. Your mom/wife played a big role in my life and I will never forget her. She is the one who married me and my husband and gave me the best marital advise of all time -"Never go to bed angry - always work it as soon as possible." She also dedicated all 3 of my children into God's hands. I loved her very much. She will be greatly missed. I can't wait to see her in heaven one day and tell her what a difference she made in my life. Again - I am so very sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Nicole Gheen

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