Barbara J. Gilchrist

Barbara Jean Gilchrist was born to the late James Greenard and Viola Greenard on December 1, 1935 at Freeman Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was the youngest of six children. Barbara was affectionately known by her family as “Bobbi.”

Barbara was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System. She attended Grimke Elementary School and Garnet-Patterson Junior High School. On July 19, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart Eddie Louis “Ed Lou” Gilchrist. They were married for 40 years. Barbara became the proud mother of two children, Alma Laverne Gilchrist Brannum and Warren Louis Gilchrist. She was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. Barbara was a faithful employee for 25 years at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Biological Technician, until she retired. During her tenure at the FDA, she was a valued employee and received many awards for her exceptional work ethics and outstanding job performance.

In the spring of 1958, Barbara was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Bethany Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Later on in life, Barbara joined Beracah Baptist Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland. She was a faithful member for over 20 years. Barbara was an active member of the Gospel Choir, The Women’s Ministry, The Women’s Bible Study and Sunday School.

Until her health declined, Barbara was a financial member of Pride of Southern Maryland Elks Temple #651 since 1980. Barbara treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She was a substitute teacher at Kenilworth Elementary School in Washington, D.C., where her children attended.

Barbara loved to serve and give to those in need. She supported Central Union Mission, Columbia Lighthouse of The Blind, The American Diabetes Association, The Lupus Foundation of America, and The Purple Heart Foundation.

Barbara loved to cook one-pot dishes that included chicken noodles and dumplings. On rainy days she liked to bake sweet potato pies. In her alone time, Barbara enjoyed journaling, listening to the Jimmy Swaggart gospel hour and country music. She was an avid follower of local and world news, and she loved to watch talk shows, soap operas and golf tournaments. Her favorite golfer was Tiger Woods.

Barbara enjoyed Tai Chi, horror movies, museums, county fairs, cruising to the Bahamas, theatrical plays and musicals. When Barbara went out with friends and family, she was color coordinated from head to toe, and she loved to wear red nail polish. She loved to laugh, sing, and dance. Barbara loved the Lord and enjoyed reading the gospel of Matthew. Barbara always had a word of wisdom for family and friends.

Barbara was called home to her eternal rest on January 31, 2020. She leaves behind to celebrate her life, two children, Alma Laverne Gilchrist Brannum and Warren Louis Gilchrist; two grandchildren, James Brannum, Jr. (Samedra) and Warren Louis Gilchrist, Jr. (Shanna); three great-grandchildren, Jazmin Tanner, Kennedy Brannum and Kyle Gilchrist; one sister, Juanita Cobb; two sister-in-law’s, Sylvia Shambuger, Barbara Ann Smith (Calvin); one brother-in-law, Joseph Louis Gilchrist; and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband Eddie Louis Gilchrist and siblings, Vera Robinson, Peggy McCoy and Audrey Bonner and James Greenard. Barbara will be laid to rest next to her husband at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.