Barbra Faye Gadson

Barbra Faye Gadson was born February 27, 1936 in Kansas City Missouri to Charles and Bertha Tolliver. At the age of six months she moved to Los Angeles with her mother and where her three aunts Fannie, Carrie, and Mother Rose helped to raise her and her brother Donald.

Barbra attended Rosemont Elementary where she played piano for all of the school assemblies at the age of 9.She graduated to Virgil Junior High, and attended an all girl's Catholic school in the Rampart area of Los Angeles.

She also sang in the Phillips Temple Church choir, even though she was not a member the director liked her. Barbra attended Pleasant Hill Baptist when she was a young girl.

Barbra started her music career at the age of 5 years old. She was not just talented but a gifted genius! She was born with her musical talent. She received piano lessons from Miss Tabb starting at the age of 5. At the age of 10 a rectal was held at Phillips Temple Church and Barbra played 9 classical pieces all to memory. She gave a concert at her elementary school which was not unusual for them to allow.

Later her music career included collaborating songs with her mother Bertha, who was also a song writer. Dan Weisendanger who she was best friends with collaborating many song with him, also Sonny Knight.

In 1966 Barbra met and married James Raymond Gadson on September 3. James during his tour in the military stayed in a town called Oceanside, and suggested they move there from Los Angeles to raise children. Even though told she would never have children of her own, a year after they were married she gave birth to Gaano Gadson who was born on her anniversary. This was a miracle! To their surprise 5 years later Maiamichelle Gadson was born June 1. Her heart was full and complete now.

Barbra worked for North County Transit district for 26 years and was a great asset to the company. Her most loved position was music director for many years in the Oceanside Seventh-Day Adventist church, which was her true ministry for God! She lived and breathed for this opportunity. She was always willing to teach anyone about music.

Barbra was full of creative musical energy which was evident throughout her life and her surroundings. A song writer, singer, and pianist all around music GENIUS! She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and servant of God.

She will be missed, loved and cherished throughout eternity. She leaves behind, her loving husband James; brother Donald and wife Tish; son Gaano, daughter Maia, son James Mitchel and wife Tonia; grand children, Aarianna, Chantelle, Erissa, Cory, Chalise, Che`lena, Saanje; great grand daughter Sirena; nieces Dawn and Dana and their children, nieces Lena and Lana and their children, and many loving family members and friends.