Barbara Cromer Popham passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Hospital while recovering from a medical procedure.  She had just turned a young '88' in December and was enjoying life as a loving mother, doting grandmother and great-grandmother.

Barbara was born on December 22nd, 1937, in Greenville, South Carolina to Clarence Douglas "C.D." Cromer and Obra Lillian Fowler at their family home in Greenville.  She spent her formative years in her hometown where she enjoyed an active social life, graduating from Welcome High School in 1955.  Barbara cherished her childhood friendships and endeavored to maintain those connections throughout her life.  She served on the school reunion committee every year and loved her role keeping everyone in touch.

Barbara loved to sing.  As a youth her vocal talent was recognized by her high school music teacher for its clarity and control.  With her teacher's encouragement, she auditioned for and was accepted to the Julliard School of Music in New York, City.  Her family was resistant to her attending an "artist school" in a faraway big city, so Barbara sought other ways to develop her talents.

After high school, she attended Draughon's Business College and Greenville Technical College while working at the Liberty Life Insurance company.  Shortly thereafter she met her future husband, John Leonard Popham Jr., at a church service where they began their courtship.  She ultimately succumbed to "Leonard's" wily charms, and they tied the knot on June 22nd, 1958, in a simple ceremony at her childhood home on Old Easley Bridge Road.

During their first year of marriage, they moved to a two-room apartment in San Diego, California, in support of Leonard's U.S Navy service.  There they welcomed their first child, Lisa, in 1959. Barbara and Lisa returned to Greenville to live with her parents during Leonard's military deployments.  Following Leonard's return from military service, Barbara and her young family lived in a rental home in Greenville while building their first family home on Welcome Road.  After taking occupancy of their new home, Barbara and Leonard were joined by their second child, Wendy, in 1963.

Barbara joyfully committed the first several years of married life to supporting her husband and raising their two young daughters.  Once Lisa and Wendy were both in school, Barbara looked forward to an opportunity to share her other talents while still enjoying her life as a wife and mother.  In high school, she had contemplated becoming a nurse but ultimately found success as a businesswoman.

She started her business career as a bank teller at a local branch of the former First Federal Savings and Loan.  Barbara's strong work ethic and talent at dealing with people led to her to ever progressing levels of responsibility, ultimately ascending to a role as a regional Vice-President and City Executive for Branch Bank & Trust (BB&T).  While working for BB&T, Barbara became actively involved with the American Heart Association and was asked to serve as the chairperson of the American Heart Association's Upstate Heart Ball.

In her leisure time, Barbara loved spending time near the water with her family either at the beach or at the lake.  She spent many joy-filled days at their condominium at Litchfield Beach and at the family lake house on Lake Hartwell.  Barbara was also a tireless gardener and landscaper - passions that she shared with her eldest grandchild, Lindsey, who spent many school breaks with her playing in the water, gardening, building rock retainer walls, and other projects.  "Meme" as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, could often be found outside working sun-up to sun-down in her swimsuit and Keds, to transform overgrown land into lush, whimsical gardens and sturdy stone walls.

Barbara was a strong woman and caring grandmother whose love, energy, and generous spirit continue to inspire the family she cherished. Her fierce work ethic and steadfast support left a lasting mark that will live on in her family for generations to come.  Throughout her life, she remained a faithful friend, committed daughter, loyal spouse, dedicated mother, and loving grandmother and great-grandmother.  She will always be and is already, sorely missed.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa and Wendy; four grandchildren, Lindsey, Shiloh, Jay, and Carolanne; and two great-grandchildren, Patton and Winter.  She also leaves behind a faithful feline companion named Bella and an affectionate chicken named, Penny.  Family visitation and funeral services will held at 1:00 pm on February 7, 2026, at the Graceland Mortuary chapel on 4814 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC.  Graveside dedication will immediately follow at Graceland Cemetery.

If you wish to donate in Barbara's memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association.

https://www.heart.org/en/why-give