Barbara C. McWhorter

On March 11, 2009 a journey that lasted for over three quarters of a century ended for Barbara McWhorter. Barbara’s last weeks were spent at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House enjoying life as she always had – entertaining family and friends every day, giving gifts to all who spent time caring for her. Many of her regular visitors had been among the children she created a fantasy world for many years ago. Carnivals, parties, Easter egg hunts, and art lessons were her gifts to the children she knew. Barbara’s beautiful artwork lives in murals in Vitale’s Restaurant in Aledo, the First Baptist Church of Aledo, greeting cards, and on the first collector pie pan for the Aledo Rhubarb Festival, which she created with her good friend and cousin, Darlene Johnson. Barbara also restored the Burgess House in Aledo where she shared her passion for beautiful hand-made quilts with the public. The oldest daughter of Dale and Edith Laughed, Barbara will be missed by her son, Doug McWhorter and his wife, Nancy of Taylor Ridge, Illinois; her three grandchildren Sean, Alex and Jilly; her sister, Linda Peterson and her husband Lyn of Monticello, Illinois; and their throng of children and grandchildren; and a multitude of former children who thrived on her spirit, her creativity and her boundless love. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Judge A. Gene McWhorter. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 14, at the First Baptist Church in Aledo, followed immediately by the funeral service. Private Burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.