The Democratic Party of Virginia Honors the Life of Barbara Pickeral Lee

Passed Unanimously by the 10th CDDC on January 25th, 2020
Passed by the State Central Committee February 15th, 2020

Whereas, The Democratic Party of Virginia celebrates the dedication of Barbara Pickeral Lee to the ideals of the Party, to education, and community service, and recognizes the loss to her family and friends with her passing on January 5th, 2020.

Barbara was born in Winchester, Virginia, on October 29, 1943, to John Julian Pickeral and Dorothy Lee Wilkins Pickeral. She was the widow of a fellow teacher, Tim Lee, and leaves three children – Laura, John Edward, and Jennifer.

Barbara graduated from Handley High School in Winchester, earned a degree from Randolph-Macon Women’s College, and a Master’s in Education from George Mason University. She was deeply committed to children, education, and Clarke County. She was an inspiring teacher for 35 years, mostly in elementary school. She was active in the Virginia Education Association (VEA), serving as a district President and four years on the VEA Board. She was involved with many community groups, including the Methodist Church, Kiwanis, Clarke County Community Services, VEA Retired Teachers, and the Blue Ridge Fire Department. After retirement she was elected twice to the Clarke County School Board, serving as Vice Chair and Chair. She served on the College Board of Lord Fairfax Community College for ten years.

Barbara liked to date her activism back to the 1960s as one of John F. Kennedy’s “Golden Girls.” She was a dependable, and fun, activist. Whether it was bringing along her campaign friends to work on the Clinton-Gore Inaugural Parade, gathering a group to demonstrate against Oliver North (lives in Clarke County) when he ran against Chuck Robb for the U.S. Senate, going door-to-door for Barack Obama, promoting Hillary Clinton, or attending meetings, fundraisers and conventions, she was our County’s standard bearer. Even when confined to a wheelchair she worked the Democrats’ table at the Farmers’ Market and County Fair.

Barbara represented Clarke County on the 10th CDDC for 25 years, from 1991 to 2016. Her leadership was especially important in rural, red Clarke County. She was undaunted by being so outnumbered. She worked hard to recruit members and to keep them informed through many elections and legislative sessions, she was very proud of being the first recipient of the 10th CDDC’s Mark Herring Lifetime Achievement Award.

Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Democratic Party of Virginia honors Barbara Pickeral Lee for her many years of activism in the Democratic Party, education and community service and extends our deepest condolences to her family.