Barbara Wright Lipford

Barbara Wright Lipford, 90, of Ruffin, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother ("Nana"), and great-grandmother, whose kindness and devotion to her family will be deeply missed.

For 68 years, Barbara was married to the love of her life, Sanford Oliver Lipford, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Lu Anne Lipford McKinney.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Robin Lipford and wife Linda, and Mark Lipford and wife Deborah; five grandchildren, Kevin Lipford and wife Logan, Kory Lipford, Rachel McNally and husband Kyle, Michael Lipford and wife Emily, and Charles Lipford; and great-grandchildren, Lena, Kaden, and Michael.

Barbara was born on June 4, 1935, in Reidsville, North Carolina, to Francis and Louise Wright of Ruffin. She was an only child. After graduating from Ruffin High School, she attended UNC Greensboro/Woman's College, where she earned a degree in the secretarial field.

Barbara retired from American Tobacco Company in Reidsville, where she worked for around 30 years.

Among her many hobbies, Barbara especially enjoyed camping and traveling with Sanford and their friends. Together, they enjoyed several memorable cruises, including trips to Alaska and through the Panama Canal. She was a faithful member of Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church in Ruffin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Terry Larsen officiating. Burial will follow at Ruffin Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church, 261 Estes Road, Ruffin, NC 27326.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at Brookdale Reidsville for the love, care, and support they provided over the past several years.