Barbara Ann Gunnings

They say first impressions can last a lifetime. Those who encountered Dr. Barbara Byrd Gunnings describe her as… “Reserved in demeanor and tenacious in her efforts.” “A get it done type of person with no need to showboat.” “Sharp-minded with high standards.” “A woman who carried herself with dignity and grace.” These impressions endured throughout her life.

Barbara Byrd Gunnings, daughter of Willie and Marie Byrd of Gastonia, North Carolina, was born on March 4, 1939. Barbara placed a high value on formal education, earning esteemed honors and recognition from high school through her graduate studies. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Barber Scotia Teachers College, obtained her master’s degree in chemistry at Union College in Schenectady, NY, and completed her Ph.D. in higher education administration at Michigan State University. She held strong convictions about racial inequality in education and had fierce loyalty and respect for her educators. As an exceptional student in the south, impacted by the 1954 landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, Barbara was selected to interview for a Face the Nation Special. When asked, “How do you feel about the opportunity for a good education?” She replied, “Why do you think I’m not already getting a good education?”

Barbara met her life partner Dr. Thomas Gunnings in their hometown of Gastonia. He always said he was smitten by her beauty and brains. He also said, everyone thought he didn’t stand a chance of catching her attention. Not to be discouraged, he paid her older brother a quarter to softly pitch a ball to him during a baseball game so he could hit it outside of the park. All just to impress her. It worked. They married in 1959 and ventured into their life together. Their only child, Sonya, was born in 1960.

Barbara continued her commitment to education, beginning her career as a science teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. In 1966, she relocated to Oregon with her husband and daughter where she served as a National Science Foundation Research Assistant. In 1969, she and her family moved to East Lansing, Michigan, home of Michigan State University. Barbara worked as a grant administrator in the College of Education, where she later earned her doctoral degree.

In 1977, along with her husband, Barbara co-founded Meridian Professional Psychological Consultants, P.C., a private mental health, and substance abuse treatment facility, providing services to private/public organizations, businesses, educational systems, and government agencies. She served as Director of Operations from inception until her retirement in 2010. In this role, Barbara received numerous commendations, consistently ensuring the highest level of standards compliance by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Barbara was a gifted seamstress who enjoyed making intricate and elaborate clothing for herself and her family in her spare time. She was deeply committed to service and sisterhood as a member of the Delta Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, and the Lansing/East Lansing (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She was a life member of the NAACP and found great spiritual peace through her membership at Friendship Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Dr. Sonya Gunnings-Moton, and son-in-law Mr. Delbert Husband, who both lovingly cared for her during her final years; her beloved grandson Taylor Moton, great grandson Thomas Moton, her sister Joyce Fisher (Clarence), and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers (William Jefferson Byrd and Derek Lee Byrd), and sisters (Teretha Byrd, Ernestine Byrd, and Christine Byrd).

A family visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 4:45 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park with the memorial service beginning at 4:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gunnings Family Scholarship, College of Education, Michigan State University. If floral arrangements are sent, the family requests white flowers only.

Please visit www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com to leave online condolences for the Gunnings Family.