Obituary of Barbara Bateson Woolley

Barbara Bateson Woolley, 80, of Aiken, SC, passed away on September 22^nd. Barbara was an accomplished artist, jewelry maker, author, athlete, and equestrian. Most of all, she was a loving mother, grandmother and adoring wife. Barbara loved people, horses and big dogs.

Barbara was born in Philadelphia. After attending the University of Delaware, she married and raised her three children in Wilmington, Delaware. She was the Director of Development and Public Relations for Delaware Hospice, Marketing Director for Wilmington University, and a Board Member of the United Way of Delaware, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. She was a member of the Junior League of Wilmington, and she also chaired the Green Show at Christ Church Christiana Hundred.

In 1984, she married the love of her life, Clark Woolley. Sharing a passion for the West, they hightailed it out of Wilmington in 1990 and headed for Telluride, Colorado. While riding horses and hiking, Barbara also was a planner for the Peaks Resort & Spa, a founder of the Tomboy House for victims of domestic violence, a Board Member of the Women’s Network, and owner of Dressing Telluride. During those years they added Cloud Dancer and Black Eagle to their family, two paint horses.

Their next adventure was a move to Santa Fe in 1998. Barbara rode her horses with her many friends, expanding her love of the equestrian world. She continued to paint and write, served as a Board Member for the Santa Fe Ballet and was a founding member of the Writers’ Group of Santa Fe.

In 2000, they were called to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she skied, hiked, rode, cared for her horses, and reveled in the fresh mountain air.  She was a docent for the National Museum of Wildlife Art, a member of their Rungius Society, and a member of the Jackson Artists and Writers Group.

Then, in 2007, they moved on to the equestrian town of Aiken, South Carolina, bringing their well-traveled horses to their farm here.  Determined not to slow down, Barbara was more active than ever. In addition to riding and playing croquet and tennis, she was a volunteer for the Aiken Equine Rescue, a member of the Aiken Center for the Arts, The Steeple Chase Association, the Aiken Land Conservancy, and the Aiken Polo Club. She created and organized the Marilyn Doremus Ladies Croquet Tournament and co-chaired the Winter Ball. She and Clark purchased a second home in Blowing Rock, NC so that they could further enjoy their love of hiking and the mountains. Just three months ago, she completed a rigorous multi-night backpacking trip in Zion National Park with her dear friend Robyn.

As if all of this was not enough, she had a few side hustles including Bodacious Baubles, her hand-made jewelry business. She authored the book “Freedom West,” and she made and sold hundreds of watercolor and oil paintings. Everyone will always cherish the handmade Christmas cards that accompanied each of her gifts; she was the best present wrapper ever. Barbara’s beauty and fashion sense was obvious, but her talents were endless. Her love of life was contagious, as she lived with boundless energy and joy every day.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father Russell Coleman Bateson, mother Jean Bergman Bateson, her sister Nancy Bateson Senior, and her daughter Kelly Hart Gordon.

There are many people left to cherish the memories she left behind: her husband Clark Woolley, her brother Russell Bateson (Peggy), her son Tim (Katy), her daughter Amy, her granddaughter Paige, her stepdaughters Laura Kemper (Mike), Lisa Anderson and Susan Katz (Jon), and nine nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

A Celebration of her life will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on the 28^th of October at The Constantine House, 3406 Richland Avenue, W, Aiken, SC 29801.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s family suggests a donation to a worthy charity of your choice in her

remembrance.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com