Barbara Alipanah-Jahroudi

Barbara Anne Buck Poolos Denner Alipanah-Jahourdi
(A spoken eulogy)

Many names, many talents, and many lives.

I see her life as a series of chapters. Some were silly, some were angry, some sad, and others truly blissful. But all were felt to the fullest.

My childhood was filled with her stories. They color my memories, and they still spill from my lips. She was the girl with a chauffeur; a child running through tobacco fields; a love struck woman swept away with Greece; a mother who found a strong, kind man. The neighborhood matron who could never turn away someone in need; a Girl Scout leader demanding you sew complete dresses to earn your badge; a grandmother who insisted you call her Mommom to feel younger; the one who fed you waffles with ice cream for dinner. The friend you had for 50 years and still talked to once a day.

She had a beehive hair-do, smoked habitually, owned a glass menagerie, cursed loudly, but would always pick up the phone. She was my weekly phone date.

Grandma felt everything strongly, and this was a trait she passed on to her future generations; just walk in on Paula, Vicki, Madison, and I watching Steel Magnolias! Passion was the common theme throughout her life (and sometimes it was expressed as stubbornness).

She was a smart woman. Barbara was on endless wait lists at the library. She told Grandma Sally, "A nurse, I would be a doctor." Austin and her would argue the case of earth's existence as Hell; he was 11.

Words she used for good and evil. Whether to craft an ongoing story about a space traveling, Pluto inhabiting gypsy named Esmeralda for 16 years, or letting you know EXACTLY what was on her mind when you said she looked like Peter Pan in leggings (something I am sure Patrick will never forget).

Now I don't know if I can say she was a humble woman...she did tell me just about every conversation that I may not be as pretty or brilliant as her, but that all my good genes did come from her. **Also sunglasses were a necessity in her presence because she shone so bright.

Where humility left a gap, manner and etiquette filled the void. Elbows were never left on the table, and gum was not to be chewed like cud, because we are not cows! Remember animals sweat and humans perspire. Criticism was given, but was also meant to strengthen.

She was an honest woman and spoke openly. Never was this more true than her conversations with Madison. They had a connection, a truth, that distance nor age could sever. The only thing she was ever unclear on, was whether she inspired Barbara Ann....did she know a beach boy?!

Strong and passionate.

Her virtues and strength are evident in the children she raised into compassionate, strong, giving, independent, and lovingly peculiar adults. I couldn't ask for a better mother, and I know each of my cousins would say aye!

I thank Barbara for the role she played in their molding. Whether an adherence to or rebellion against her words, the result was spectacular.

She taught and encouraged all of us to sing to our own tune, even though anyone will tell you a Denner cannot sing!

And despite what paths and choices may have led astray at times, Barbara valued family. And this sight. These faces. Our voices. I know they have brought a smile to her face and a laugh to her lungs.

Barbara Ann Buck Poolos Denner Alipanah-Jahroudi, I love you and I will miss you.

Barbara is survived by her two daughters Paula and Vicki, son David, seven grandchildren (four granddaughters and three grandsons), and her husband Daruish. As in life, in death she will be reincarnated. She will be laid to rest alongside her mother and aunt in Vanceboro, North Carolina in the family plot. Her ashes will be reborn as a flower in the spring to come. Her family knows the yellow butterflies will come to visit her bloom.

Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.