Barbara Virginia (Harwood) Barbee

Barbara Virginia Harwood Barbee passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

A native of Winston-Salem, Barbara was born on May 20, 1937, to the late Virginia and Edgar Harwood. She graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School and later earned her college degree from St. Mary’s in Raleigh. She met her future husband, Claude V. Barbee, at UNC Chapel Hill. The two were married on January 30, 1958, and eventually settled in Greensboro, where they built their life and raised their children, Nancy, Charlie, and Kimberly.

Barbara was a member of Mt. Pisgah Church in Greensboro. A woman of many talents, she was an avid painter and found great joy in knitting, sewing, and upholstering furniture. She was truly the life of the party. With a contagious smile and vibrant spirit, she was often the first to arrive wherever there was fun to be had. She loved playing bridge and was a natural host who cherished time with friends and family.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude V. Barbee; her son, Charles Anthony Barbee; her sister, Peggy Harwood Steele; and her brother, Ronnie Harwood.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Barbee Karukas (Chris Hall )and Kimberly Barbee (Jon Rumsey ), both of Greensboro, as well as the many nieces, nephews, and their children whom she adored.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Greensboro Elks Lodge, 2201 W. Cornwallis Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s memory to one of the following organizations dedicated to Alzheimer’s research:

• Alzheimer’s Association

• Cure Alzheimer’s Fund

• Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) 

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