Barbara Ann Headley (Turba)

December 6, 1966 – October 4, 2025

Barbara Ann Headley (Turba) passed away on October 4, 2025, in Virginia, at the age of 58. Born on December 6, 1966, in Ohio, she spent her formative years in Cleveland and attended Lutheran West High School. Barb was a steadfast presence and a pillar of strength to all who knew her—family, friends, and colleagues alike.

Barb built an illustrious career over more than 20 years as a store manager for Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, serving at some of the nation’s top universities including the University of Central Florida, William & Mary, Northeastern University, MIT, Georgia Tech, and George Mason University. Her inspiring leadership, dedication, and ability to connect with people left a lasting impact on coworkers and students across the country.

A remarkable and independent woman, Barb was also a supportive military spouse to her husband, Steve, and a devoted mother to her sons, Ryan and Sean. She was a caring sister to Elaine Heck of Oklahoma and Bob Turba of Cleveland. Her unwavering strength and boundless kindness created a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth.

Barb had a deep love for cooking, and her kitchen was often the heart of her home. Her chicken pot pie—not apple or pumpkin—was her boys’ favorite, a testament to her creativity and comfort in the kitchen. One year, Barb made a New Year’s resolution to try not one, but two new recipes every week, a challenge she took on with enthusiasm and joy. After retirement, she turned her love of cooking toward the garden, growing fresh ingredients and creating “yard-to-table” meals that nourished both body and soul. She cherished it when friends and family asked for her recipes—so in her honor, the Guestbook will also serve as a shared cookbook. Please feel free to leave not only your memories of Barb but also your favorite recipes, or request one of hers by sending a request to cpoponi123@gmail.com for you to add to her memory.

Barb dreamed of hosting all her lifelong friends and family at the beach in Cocoa Beach. Sadly, her plans were cut short as she bravely battled cancer. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Walter and Gerri Turba, who now welcome her into heaven with open arms.

In keeping with Barb’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, we invite you to a Celebration of Life on what would have been her 59th birthday: 

December 6, 2025, 4:00 – 8:00 PM, at The Winery at Bull Run (wineryatbullrun.com)

Kindly Reply to Celebration of Life RSVP for catering purposes. For your convenience, Click Here for the hotel room block at Wyndham Garden Manassas

In lieu of flowers, Barb’s family requests that you honor her memory with a donation using this personalized link Wreaths Across America for Barb. Barb’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery—a fitting tribute for the life of devotion and strength she lived.

Barb’s vibrant spirit, fierce love, and generous heart touched everyone around her. Though she is gone, her legacy lives on in every life she shaped, every meal she lovingly prepared, and every memory shared by those who loved her. She will be deeply missed, and forever remembered.