Barbara Raftelis VanHook

Barbara Marie Raftelis VanHook, 90, of Charlotte, North Carolina Carolina passed away on April 5, 2024.   

Barbara was born in Georgetown, South Carolina on January 16, 1934, to the late James Michael Raftelis and Josephine Creel Raftelis. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother James Raftelis, Jr., her sister-in-law Judy Rose Raftelis, and her brother-in-law, Dr. E. Thomas Miller.

Barbara was born deaf.  At the age of 5, she entered the Reinhardt School for the Deaf in Kensington Maryland, outside of Washington, DC.  She learned there to lipread and how to mainstream with the hearing world.   Later in life Barbara expanded her communication skills to include sign language which had become the norm for communication among the deaf and the hearing world.
 
 She completed her schooling at Reinhardt at the age of 14 and returned home to Georgetown, South Carolina, joining her sister Yvonne in school in the 6^thgrade. Following her graduation from Winyah High School in 1954, Barbara moved with her mother to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Barbara then studied at Kings College in Charlotte, where she developed certification as a data entry operator and became employed by First Union National Bank for several years.

In 1973, Barbara married Robert VanHook of Hillsborough, NC, and they moved to Raleigh where she worked for a period of years with First Union in Raleigh.  Barbara then changed her employment to Duke University, where her connection to Duke became a passion.  After beginning her employment with Duke, they bought a home in Hillsborough.   Barbara and Robert lived in Hillsborough for about 10 years until Robert’s death in 1983.  Barbara remained in Hillsborough for several years after Robert’s death before moving back to Charlotte to live with her aging mother.  She remained in this home after her mother’s death in 1990 until her health required her to move to assisted living where she remained until her death two years later. 

Despite her handicap, Barbara lived a full and enjoyable life.  She battled numerous challenges but overcame these impediments.  She was a compassionate person who loved her family and was loved so much by her family.  Central to her life was her family.  She always maintained a positive attitude with an infectious smile that created a positive glow in the hearts of all she encountered.  She was truly an inspiration to many.  She embraced strong moral values, was the life of the party, and made those all around her feel special. 

Barbara enjoyed many hobbies and past times.  Being socially astute, she relished participating in conventions with her deaf friends and traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. She was an avid Duke Blue Devil fan, frequently wore her Duke paraphernalia, and would not miss watching a Duke basketball game.  Barbara also supported the Panther football team and rarely missed watching a game. Barbara enjoyed flowers and often brightened her home with beautiful arrangements. 

She is survived by her sister Yvonne R. Miller; her brother George A. Raftelis; her sister-in-law Eva Raftelis; her nephews Tony Raftelis, John Miller and Michael Raftelis; her nieces Christina Raftelis Williams, Michele Miller Houck, and Amy Thompson; and several in-laws and numerous great nephews and great nieces.

Of note is the extensive care that her brother George and his wife Eva provided her during her later years as faithful partners and managers of her financial and healthcare needs.

A memorial service will be conducted in the sanctuary at Davidson College Presbyterian Church in Davidson, North Carolina on Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 PM. There will be a reception following the service at the Congregation House of the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the North Carolina School of the Deaf. Donations may be made by clicking DONATE NOW. Memorial contributions may also be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, 1225 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204.

Raymer-Kepner funeral home is assisting the family. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Kepnerfh.com.