Wilma Chastka

Lenoir- Wilma Barlow Chastka, 97, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Lenoir Healthcare. She was born in Caldwell County on February 23, 1921 to the late William S. Barlow and Magdalene Roberts Barlow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Stevie Chastka; siblings, Willie Barlow; Warren Barlow; Link Barlow; Mildred B. Smith; and Henry Barlow. Wilma is survived by her children, William”Bill” Chastka of Lynchburg, VA; Antionette Maria Chastka Gibbons of Sarasota, FL; sister, Jessie Barlow; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wilma was raised on the Taylorsville Road in Lenoir, near her favorite place, Hibriten Mountain. She helped her mom and dad on the farm and was a graduate of Oak Hill School in Lenoir and also, Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC. She graduated with a degree in journalism. She lived in Washington, DC and was a writer for the National Geographic. Her favorite care-giver was Tonya Lowman, who cared for her for eleven years. Tonya nicknamed Wilma, “Charlie”. Wilma loved to travel but her favorite places to travel were in and around the mountains of NC with her friends and loved ones. Wilma studied the Bible daily. She read books continuously, as her eyesight was perfect even up to the day of her death. She loved her church and all her friends there. She also lived in LHS Apartments for many years with her friends who gave her birthday parties and gifts each year. Wilma was loved by many as she always believed that many angels were near to watch over her. Wilma will be missed not only because of her knowledge on many subjects, but because of her positive attitude toward her friends. On the day of her death, she quoted the 23rd Psalm and talked about joy. She too, was a joy. She will be missed Wilma’s memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 3:00 PM.