Barbara Denson

Barbara was born in Washington, D.C. to the late Drue Funderburke and Elizabeth McCormick. With the exception of short periods in Washington, D.C. and Charlotte, North Carolina, she grew up in Richmond, Virginia where she met and started dating John Denson at the age of 16. They married five years later and enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage before John’s death. Despite attending college for only one year, Barbara graduated with an associate degree from Mars Hill College and then went to work in her dream job at the Baptist Foreign Mission Board before marrying John in 1958.

Barbara’s life was dedicated to God and family. She raised four children and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although she did not work outside the home, she volunteered her time for numerous organizations, always managing to get home in time to welcome her children from school. Her greatest gift to the community was many dedicated years of leading Bible studies and teaching Sunday School. She knew the Bible better than many pastors!

Barbara made deep and lasting friendships in the many places she lived: Virginia, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana. She will be long remembered for the annual tradition of baking gingerbread men during the Christmas season. She gave them generously to neighbors and friends, so generously her own family needed to steal them to ensure they actually got to eat them. Besides finding glory in heaven, she will live on through the gingerbread tradition as the next generations continue to bake and share them.

Barbara’s children wish to express their deepest gratitude for the staff and residents of Majestic Care of Carmel who supported and befriended our mother in her final years.

Barbara is survived by her children Beth (James), John (Stephanie), Michael (Kristen), Chris (Amy), 11 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 11 AM on Saturday, October 29, 2022, with a service to follow at Noon at Leppert Mortuary-Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in Barbara’s name to the organization of your choice.