Barbara Mae McWhorter

A visitation for Barbara Mae McWhorter, 78, of Newark, will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St. Newark. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Barbara passed away March 23, 2026, surrounded by her family at the Selma Markowitz Hospice Care Center. She was born July 13, 1947, in Tioga, WV, to the late William M. Johnston, Sr. and Sarah F. (Sams) Johnston

Barbara was a talented portrait painter who found beauty in the world around her and brought it to life through her art. She had a deep love for puzzles, flowers, and birds, and she spent many joyful hours crocheting, quilting, and sewing, creating pieces that will be cherished for years to come. Barbara was known for her warm spirit and joyful presence. She was always smiling and laughing, bringing light to those around her. Above all, she loved deeply and wholeheartedly, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and love that will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Samuel N. McWhorter, Sr.; children, Rita (Daniel) Work, Laura (Dennis) McGreevy, Samantha (Randy) Bourst, Samuel (Karisa) McWhorter, Jr., and Stacey (Shon) Winegarnder; brother, Robert Johnston; sister, Ruth Tyo; nineteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous foster grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda McWhorter; brother, William Alpha Johnston, Sr.; sisters Shirley Higgins, Patricia Daugherty, Elizabeth Royer, and Linda Johnston, and grandson, K.C. Jones.

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.