Barbara Jean Biafore, 84, of Fairmont, died on November 22, 2020 at St. Barbara's Nursing Home. She was born in Chiefton, WV on July 27, 1936, daughter of the late John and Virginia Skormisley. She graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1954 and was married to Anthony (Hiko) Biafore on June 16, 1956.

Barbara was first employed as a young girl at the Fairmont Theater where she was responsible for ticket and concession sales. After she graduated from St. Peter's, she and her sister, Martha, were employed as telephone operators at the Bell Telephone Company, Fairmont Branch. Following this, she worked at the Hallmark Card Shop in downtown Fairmont. For several years thereafter, Barbara devoted her time to raising her three children. When her youngest daughter, Wendy, started grade school, Barbara began her long career at Fairmont Head Start, which lasted for approximately thirty-four years. While employed there, "Miss Barb," as she was known to her students, received her Social Work degree/licensure from Fairmont State College and the State of WV, enabling her to provide dedicated service to the numerous Head Start children who benefited from this wonderful program that prepared them to succeed in their lives. After her retirement from Head Start, Barbara worked part-time for the next few years at the Fairmont Catholic Grade School cafeteria with her daughter and Head Cook, Debbie Holt.

Barbara was a lifelong member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and active in St. Theresa's Guild as well as in many other church and community activities. Most notable was her dedicated participation with Sr. Mary Clark, CSJ in the Fairmont "Shoes for Kids" project while she was employed at Fairmont Head Start.

Barbara always took pride in her cooking and baking, particularly during holiday seasons. She was known for her delicious Italian main dishes and pastries and, most especially, her fudge (chocolate and peanut butter). Of note: While Barbara assisted in caring for her oldest granddaughter, Jessica, who was very ill when she was a small child several years ago, Barbara shared her secrets of cooking and baking and, most importantly, her secret of life – never give up.

Barbara is survived by three children: Debbie Holt and husband Fred of Fairmont, Douglas Biafore and fiancée Donna Morgan of Fairmont; Wendy Joseph and husband Mark of LaVale, MD. She also is survived by her sisters, Martha Hawkins and Sr. Helen Skormisley, CSJ of Fairmont; brother, Ronald Skormisley and wife Rebecca of Fairmont; nieces, Kim Archer (Eric), Jenni, Savannah and Blake of Ada, OH, T. Anne Hawkins of Morgantown, WV, Barbara Helen King (Jim) of Falls, PA; nephews, Thomas R. Hawkins III of Hawaii, Shannon (Caycee) of Ada, OH, Benjamin Wimmer Hawkins of Morgantown, WV; nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, past co-working from Fairmont Head Start, and her many friends over the years.

Grandchildren surviving are Jonathan Holt and wife Dominique of Williamsburg, VA, Jessica Holt and companion Jason Smith of Fairmont, Jessup Biafore of Fairmont, and Anthony, Patrick, and Luke Joseph of LaVale, MD. Surviving great grandchildren are Evie Holt-Whaley of Fairmont and Isla and Mila Holt of Williamsburg, VA.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Anthony (Hiko) Biafore (2019), her brother, John Skormisley, Jr. (2006), nephew, Keven Michael Meredith (1999), beloved friend Aunt, Irene Cavrich (2016), Ralph Raspa (2012) loving companion of her sister Martha Hawkins; niece, Martha T. Hawkins (2020); and several aunts, uncles, and other extended family members.

The Biafore family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to St. Barbara's Nursing Home staff members, especially Naomi Lemley, who cared for Barbara with great compassion throughout her stay, especially in her final hours.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family has decided there will be a private family viewing and service at Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont with Deacon David Lester presiding on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum in Fairmont. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.