CHESAPEAKE--Barbara Harshaw Merritt, 89, of Chesapeake, Virginia passed away on July 1, 2023. Barbara was born in Portsmouth Virginia to the late William G. and Margaret F. Harshaw.

A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she went on to attend The College of William and Mary. Once her children were older, Barbara resumed her teaching career and spent 31 years with the Portsmouth Public School System. Most of this time was spent at Norcom High School, where she taught United States History, World Geography, and served as Chairman of the Social Studies Department as well as Coach of the Academic Challenge Team. Barbara loved her job. In a journal that she compiled about her teaching career, she stated in the boldest terms, "Let it be known to whomever reads this journal that I loved my job. I had the very best job in the world. I had so many amazing students that the troubled ones have faded completely away."

Before beginning her teaching career, Barbara was invited to join the Portsmouth Service League, and was soon elected President of the association. While in the Service League, Barbara volunteered as a "pink lady" at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. She also volunteered at the Portsmouth Public Library and the Girls Club of Portsmouth.

After retiring for the second time, Barbara kept very active, whether it was raking pine straw and trimming the hedges or playing bridge twice a week with her childhood friends (where she was known to be quite competitive). Barbara was fortunate enough to join a book club of fabulous women who never really could guess her age but all wanted to be like her when they "grew up."

Barbara is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Ralph J. Merritt. She is survived by her daughters, Beth Walker (Doug) and Ellen Levin (Johnny); her son, Jay Merritt; her loving grandchildren, Merritt Walker (Regina), Lauren Walker, Nate Levin and Will Levin; her great-grandchild, Dante; and her brother Dr. William G. Harshaw (Carolyn), and their children and grandchildren. She was also a loving aunt to her wonderful nieces and nephews on the Merritt side of the family.

To her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren she left two wishes: that they would embrace the virtues of kindness in all of their actions, and always treat others as they would want to be treated. Barbara will be missed beyond measure.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, at Olive Branch Cemetery, 2 Cpl. J. M. Williams Ave., Portsmouth. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.