Barbara Spraker Shavelson

Barbara Spraker Shavelson
December 17,1948- October 24, 2024

Barbara Spraker Shavelson, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed this life at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Cary, NC, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A longtime resident of Richmond, Virginia, Barbara graduated from Douglas S. Freeman High School in 1967.  She raised two daughters while employed at Reynolds Metals Co. (Alcoa) as part of their pensions and benefits team. Barbara then pursued her bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and graduated in 1998.  She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond. After retiring from Alcoa, she moved to Cary, NC to be close to her children and grandchildren. She made many new friends in NC, served on the board of her HOA, and stayed active with friends and family.

She is survived by her two daughters Lynnell Naylor of Clayton, NC, and Karen Lawson (Bryan) of Cary, NC; four granddaughters Emma and Julia Naylor and Mallory and Sydney Lawson; her younger sister Janie Spraker Galloway of Pittsboro, NC; and three nephews, Matthew True, Andrew True and James Galloway. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Henry and Nell Taylor Spraker, and her older sister, Ellen Spraker Robinson.

Barbara’s love for her family, strength of character, joy for life, and lasting friendships are her proudest legacies.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. 

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that memorial donations be made to the University of Richmond using the following link: https://give.richmond.edu/campaigns/47447/donations/new
Checks may be sent to: Advancement Operations 110 UR Drive Bostwick House #3 University of Richmond, VA 23173.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Shavelson family