~By Robbie Snow

LOIS VAUGHN WHITMORE BARTH

Lois Barth is a Virginian born and bred. She has lived in the Old Dominion state for most of her life, having been born in Covington, VA, in the middle of the George Washington National Forest, on June 9, 1934.

Growing up in Covington’s rural environment and summer visits to her grandparents in Willis, VA, have given Lois a down to earth quality that makes her hard working and dedicated member of Knox. The Presbyterian Church has always been a part of Lois’ life. In Covington her family was active in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and when visiting her grandparents, it was the Old Country Church-Primitive Baptist Church. Her family (both parents and grandparents) was very active in these churches. Her mother, Effie, was the women’s Sunday school teacher; her father was the choir director. Her grandfather preached every Sunday.

She moved to the Washington DC area when she was 11 years old where the family joined the Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church where she was a member until she joined Knox.

Lois has followed her parents in her service to Knox being Usher Coordinator, Concern Group leader, and she helps prepare communion. She is an active Sunday school attendee as well as a Presbyterian Women’s group member. She is also the instigator of the special summer music presentation of “One Day At a Time.”

Although Lois is a proud Virginia native, she has traveled extensively and lived in Rochester, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Pasadena, CA; and a variety of Maryland cities. But she has landed back in Virginia.

Her working life has also been varied working for a variety of retail stores as well a The League of Women Voters and The American Red Cross (where she spent 21 years, retiring in 1999.)

Lois attended Potomac Christian School for her middle school years and graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School in DC in 1953. Her 50th high school reunion is coming up in August. “I can’t wait,” she says with the Lois enthusiasm, which radiates through everything she does.

Lois is a graduate of Strayer Business College, which is where she met Paul Barth, whom she married.

Lois keeps busy since retirement with daughters, Teresa and Deborah; granddaughters Carrie and Candi; grandson Nicholas; and great grandson Tyler. As well as volunteering two days a week at The American Red Cross, traveling, hobbies (duckpin bowling, watching golf, and jigsaw puzzles), she loves music—mostly country, classical, and patriotic songs.

“I love old movies, especially the musicals. I also love our hymn sings,” she says with a smile. Besides her hard work and dedication to Knox, Lois is also known for her deep felt patriotism to the United States of America.

“God Bless America” is her signature phrase. One she uses with deep emotion and faith.

~~Thanks to Robbie Snow for the above interview.
Robbie will be reporting each month of the life of one of our Knox women.