Barbara Ann Gibbs

Barbara Ann Bulloch Gibbs was born on November 13, 1953, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to the late Rev. Charles Bulloch and Jannie Lee Bulloch. She was the eighth of nine children and was raised in a loving, faith-centered home.

Barbara accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Rising Star Baptist Church at the age of nine. Barbara's strong spiritual foundation was shaped by her parent's devotion to God and service to the church. Her father faithfully served as a Baptist minister and pastor of several Mississippi churches for more than 50 years. Her mother was a dedicated church mother, Sunday School teacher, and hardworking woman who instilled in her children a deep love for the Lord.

A gifted student, Barbara graduated with honors from Holly Springs High School in May 1971. She earned scholarship opportunities which enabled her to attend Tougaloo College near Jackson, Mississippi, where she graduated with honors in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Committed to lifelong learning and service, she continued her education at The Ohio State University, earning a Master of Social Work degree in 1977.

Following her graduate studies, Barbara began her professional career with the Franklin County Children Services Board in Columbus, Ohio, serving as a child welfare caseworker and later as a supervisor. In 1989, she relocated to Michigan when her husband's career required a transfer. There, she joined the Jackson County Health Department in 1990 and faithfully served as a Medical Social Worker until her retirement in 2014. During that same period, she also dedicated 15 years to Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice Services as a part-time Medical Social Worker. Throughout her career, Barbara was known for her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to helping others.

On April 28, 1979, Barbara married the love of her life Elbert Nathaniel "Nate" Gibbs in Columbus, Ohio. Their union was blessed with a loving and blended family. Upon marriage, Barbara became a devoted mother to her bonus daughter, Terri, and later welcomed two sons, Brandon and Tedric.

Barbara cherished her family and found great joy in being a mother and grandmother. She leaves a lasting legacy through her children and grandchildren: Terri, whose daughter Janae is the mother of Paislee and Kinslee; Brandon and his wife, Danielle Haggins Gibbs, and their children, Henry and Vivian; Tedric and his wife, Victoria Toland Gibbs, and their children, Xavier, Caleb, and Gianna; and bonus son, Andrell Thomas and his wife, Keyla, and their daughters, Angelina and Angelica; her siblings, Burritt Linwood Bulloch, Zelma Turnage (James), James Bulloch, Sr. (Mary) and Linda Russell (Otis) along with a host of other extended family members and friends.

Faith and active involvement in the church remained central to Barbara's life wherever she lived. After moving to Columbus, Ohio, in 1977, she became a member of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church. Following her relocation to Jackson, Michigan, in 1989, Barbara worshiped and served faithfully at Southside Baptist Church from 1989 to 1994. In 1994, she joined Lily Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member until her retirement and return to Columbus in 2014. Upon returning to Columbus, she reunited with her beloved church family at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church and was installed as a church mother. Barbara was also an active participant in her weekly Bible study group (Bible Study Fellowship), where she enjoyed growing in faith and fellowship with others.

Barbara had a warm and gracious spirit and truly possessed the gift of hospitality. She loved cooking, gardening, exercising, walking with her neighbors, playing card and board games, and opening her home to family and friends. She found great joy in bringing people together, creating lasting memories around her table, and making everyone feel welcome.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Charles Bulloch and Jannie Lee Bulloch; her sisters, Rosie Lee Bulloch and Margaret Wilkins; and her brothers, Charles Bulloch and Jack Bulloch.

Her life was marked by faith, service, compassion, and love for family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.