Barbara Ann Oakes

Barbara Ann Smith Oakes, at age of 101 years, entered heaven’s gates October 3, 2021 following a brief illness. Barbara is survived by her son Kenneth Brian Oakes of Greensboro, NC and her daughter-in-law Jacqueline Oakes of Wilmington, NC; her grandchildren Ashley Oakes Golden and Brayton Mark Oakes, her great grandchildren Andrew and Jonah Golden, and Rayne Oakes, all of Wilmington, NC; and several nieces and nephews that she adored.

A lifelong resident of Greensboro, NC, she was born June 26, 1920. She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry E. Oakes, Jr, her older son Harry (Dell) E. Oakes, III; her parents William Garfield and Donna Reese Smith; her beloved sister Katrine and her brothers, John, Joe, Wilbur, and David Smith.

Barbara attended the Woman’s College of The University of North Carolina where she was a student in the School of Business and received her certificate in 1939. Barbara used her knowledge and worked in the field of accounting/bookkeeping for 66 years, finally retiring at the age of 90.

Barbara is best known and appreciated for her love of flower gardening, flower arranging, and her commitment to the service to her church, Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church. She held dear to her heart her family and enjoyed every minute of their visits and phone calls.

The family wishes to express gratitude to her care by the Doctors, Nurses, and staff at Vidant Chowan Hospital and as well the staff of Edenton House in Edenton, NC.

Graveside services will be October 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Centre Friends Meeting Cemetery, 325 NC 62 East, Greensboro, NC 27406. In lieu of flowers the family request all memorials be made to Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church, 2600 Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27455.