Barbara Waddell (AKA Babbs) of Rock Hill, SC left this world on July 18, 2024, after a long battle with severe back issues and dementia. Her children did their best to fulfill her earnest request to stay in her home as long as possible, and God granted that wish with the assistance of Via Health Partners and loving caregivers. There is absolutely no way Mom could have stayed in her home until the end without the help of many, especially the help of her friend, Sutton Oliver, who was sometimes called Sullivan.
Barbara was born on January 21st, 1943, in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. She moved to Myrtle Beach, SC as a child and then to Charlotte, NC during her high school years, where she graduated from East Mecklenburg High School. Barbara then graduated from Lowrance School of Nursing in Mooresville, NC as a Registered Nurse. She proudly served as an RN for Charlotte Memorial Hospital for over 30 years, a career that was her calling. She not only served the hospital, but so many in the neighborhoods she lived as well. Many times, neighbors called and came to our home seeking her medical advice, to get mom to administer their allergy shots, help organize their cancer meds, or just to ask her what they should do when a newfound ailment occurred in their lives. She was the sample medicine queen in the days when drug reps would pass out their products, and everyone knew she had a mini pharmacy and came calling when sickness arrived.
She loved being home, wherever home was is where you would find her most of her days. She loved to shop for nick-nacks to adorn her home, but never at full price. She knew the location and hours of every junk store within a 30-minute radius of her home. She loved the beach, beach music, beach pictures, and to dance Myrtle Beaches’ signature dance, “The Shag.” She loved her bird feeders to be filled while awaiting her feathered friends the opportunity for a meal and a visit. Mom could definitely be categorized as coming from the “old school”. She would tell you exactly what was on her mind whether you liked it or not, and she loved those she loved without depth or measure, but once you crossed her, she was done. In her last days, she asked about so many people she loved who were a part of her life, some who had already passed away and so many that she had not seen in years that had left footprints in her mind, if you are reading this that was likely you, thank you for being a part of her life.
Barbara married the love of her life, Tony Waddell. The two lived on Archdale Drive in Charlotte NC for several years then moved to Tega Cay, SC to their lakefront home in 1972 where they raised their three children (Memory, Kyle, Mandy). Barbara and Tony were members of the Lake Wylie and Rock Hill shag clubs and attended SOS each and every opportunity they could. The smiles on their faces as their song came on and their feet gliding across the floor will forever be remembered.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband (Tony 2015), daughter (Mandy 2000), parents (Harvey & Ruth West), and sister (Faye Litaker). She is survived by her daughter, Memory Thompson (Mark); son, Kyle Waddell (Amy); grandchildren, Emily Spearman (Will), Kyle Waddell, Jr, Haley Strong, Hank Thompson (Effie), Alex Waddell (Nikole), and Jacob Strong; great-grandchildren, Winnie Cate Spearman, Wylie Gaines Spearman, Chapel Rollins Spearman and Rosier Waddell; and brother, Tim West.
The family will celebrate the life of Barbara Waddell by receiving guests at the family home on Saturday, August 3rd from 2:00 until 7:00.
Donations can be made to VIA Health Partners or Special Olympics of South Carolina in honor or our mom