Dr. Barbara Mitchell Parramore

She was the daughter of the late Nellie Gray Glosson and Samuel Spencer Mitchell of Brown Summit, North Carolina. She graduated from Monticello School, the Woman’s College (now UNCG), received a master’s degree from NC State, and a doctorate in education from Duke University.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Custis Parramore, and is survived by their two daughters Lynn Stuart Parramore of New York City, and Lisa Gray Parramore of Mountain View, California, and grandsons Alec Custis Olslund and Lucas Mitchell Olslund, both of San Francisco; niece LaDonna Smith Venters and her husband, Tim Venters. She was predeceased by brothers James Spencer Mitchell, Robert Shreve Mitchell, and sisters Mabel Elizabeth Mitchell and Nancy Carol Mitchell Smith Shelton.

With more than 40 years in public education, Dr. Parramore worked eleven years in the Raleigh City Schools as teacher and counselor in middle schools and as principal of Wiley School. At NC State she was the founding head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as well as serving as the second woman academic department head on campus. She was awarded the Holladay Medal of Excellence in 1994, the highest honor for a faculty member given by North Carolina State University’s Board of Trustees. Long interested in public policy and work with teachers and school leaders, she served as president of the North Carolina Council for the Social Studies and as president of the North Carolina Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and was active in the national organizations of these state associations. Her publications include academic articles, book chapters, and instructional materials including textbooks and guides for teachers, and trade books. She collaborated with her late husband, historian, on North Carolina history textbooks and instructional guides.

She enjoyed travel that included a 1962 summer in India with the Experiment in International Living as Raleigh’s Community Ambassador. In 1980, she was named a fellow by the Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs, an award that included a two-week study visit in Japan. Following retirement, she traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, China, Panama, Spain and Morocco. Also in these years, she enjoyed attending North Carolina Symphony performances, volunteered with Carolina Ballet, where she contributed to the development of instructional materials for dancers in its school programs, served as a neighborhood precinct chair for the North Carolina Democratic Party, and participated in NC’s 4-H centennial activities, including efforts to establish a History Center and Museum at Richmond County’s Millstone 4-H Center.

A pioneer, mentor, and lifelong learner, Barbara lived with courage, vision, and an irrepressible spirit. She leaves a lasting legacy of leadership, service, and opportunity for those who follow.

A memorial service will be held at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Carolina Symphony, the Umstead Coalition, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, or a charity of choice.

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