Barbara Borkum Weinstock, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, after an active and well-lived life. Barbara’s legacy is one of deep familial and community bonds, as well as service in the non-profit, private, and public sectors of Arkansas life.
Barbara was born on Valentine’s Day 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts. She married Bernard I. (Bud) Weinstock in 1956, and they remained together for 49 years until his death in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents, David N. and Anna Borkum of Newton, Massachusetts, and a sister, Phyllis Benware, of Tampa, Florida.
Barbara came to Arkansas somewhat reluctantly in 1970 when Bud’s role in the shoe industry brought them from Wellesley, Massachusetts to Jonesboro. Although the initial contrast between the bustle of the Boston area and the slower pace of a small southern city was dramatic, Barbara immersed herself in the community and soon could not imagine living anywhere else. Her degree in Political Science from Brandeis University foreshadowed stints as President of the League of Women Voters at city and state levels, and eleven terms as a Justice of the Peace on the Craighead County Quorum Court.
Over 22 years as an elected official, fellow justices and three county judges recognized Barbara as an independent voice of reason, always advocating for her constituents. In addition to her expertise in county business, Barbara had the happy duty of performing over 800 wedding ceremonies.
In addition to her affinity for politics, Barbara’s endeavors included both the creative and the charitable. She was a co-owner of The Added Touch, an upscale accessories store in Birchwood Square, and Cottages to Castles, a local interior design firm. Her support for the arts included her involvement with the Forum, serving on the Forum Commission and then President of Friends of the Forum. Her charitable affiliations include the United Way of Northeast Arkansas where she served on the Board of Directors for 22 years and the Craighead County Community Foundation where she served as Executive Director from 2001 until 2020. Temple Israel selected Barbara as the President of its Sisterhood from 1980 through 2005 and she also served on their Board of Directors as Treasurer from 1991 through 2014.
Other highlights of Barbara’s commitment to civic life are her inclusion in the book, Behold Our Works Were Good! as one of 100 Arkansas women selected by the Press Women of Arkansas. Barbara was appointed to the Arkansas Women’s History Institute as a Founding Member by Governor Bill Clinton. Barbara represented Arkansas as a delegate to the International Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas. She received the prestigious Jane B. Mendel Tikkun Olam Award (repairing the world) from the Jewish Federation of Arkansas in 2007.
Survivors are her son, Howard L. and Rhodora K. Weinstock and their sons, Daniel (Sosha) Weinstock, Max (Tara) Weinstock, Kenneth (Hannah) Weinstock, Ryan (Seth) Weinstock and Mark (Brittany) Gowarty-Weinstock; son Michael A. and Sue Weinstock and their sons, Stephen (Katie) Weinstock and Matt (Emily) Weinstock; son Robert M. and Rebecca Weinstock and their children Jessica (Derek) Paredes and Nathan Weinstock; and daughter Lisa W. and Tony Sagely and their daughters Sarah and Spencer (Evan) Strobel. Also surviving are eleven great grandchildren: Lukas, Nollie, Landon, Colsen, Hudson, Henry, Syla, Riley, and Ivy Weinstock and Siena and Juliana Paredes.
A private graveside funeral will remember Barbara in the presence of her loving family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Barbara Weinstock Charitable Endowment at the Craighead County Community Foundation, 407 Union St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.
Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com
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