Barbara Ann Horton

Barbarba Ann Horton was born in Lenoir, North Carolina on October 23, 1947. She was the youngest of the five children of Thomas and Annie Mae (Jones) Horton. Barbara’s siblings were Harold, Commella, Thomas (Tommy) and Michael.

Growing up in Lenoir, Barbara was lucky to be surrounded by cousins and extended family who were also her neighbors, classmates and close friends. During her teenage years, Barbara embraced becoming a protective sister-aunt to her niece, Stephanie Witherspoon. Their deep connection would remain strong through every stage of her life.

After graduating from high school, Barbara moved to Columbus, Ohio. She lived with her brother, Harold, his wife, Margaret, and their daughters, Helisa and Sara Lanell. She was fortunate that so many members of her extended family, brothers Tommy and Michael and families as well as many cousins, also lived in Columbus. As the girls grew, Barbara was able to focus on beginning her career. She attended secretarial school and became certified to become an administrative assistant.

In 1970, Barbara moved to Syracuse, New York to join Harold, Margaret and the girls as they welcomed a third daughter, Marla. While in Syracuse, she accepted a position at General Electric, advancing to roles in office management and data entry. During her later years in Syracuse, she moved out to establish her own home not far from Harold and Margaret.

After 10 years in Syracuse, Barbara moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she successfully continued her career with General Electric. Harold, Margaret and their girls also relocated to Cincinnati at the same time. Barbara visited regularly with Cincinnati family, which included her cousin Gaynell, and frequently traveled to see loved ones in Lenoir, Columbus and Spartanburg. She became an active member of Gaines United Methodist Church, where she worked with Margaret teaching Sunday school.

After a rewarding, 30+ year career with GE, Barbara retired to Newton, North Carolina to be close to Stephanie and her family. This move enabled her to apply her well-honed caregiving skills to working with her nephew, Blair. While her outings with Blair kept her busy, she maintained her administrative skills through part-time work at the Abernethy Laurels Nursing home in Newton. Barbara treasured her regular trips to Lenoir and Buffalo Cove to visit with loved ones.

When she received a cancer diagnosis in 2021, Barbara was courageous and determined to fight. Her daughter-nieces had the honor of caring for her during this time as she so lovingly cared for them through the years.

Barbara is survived by her brother, James Michael, her cousin, Gaynell Dabner, nieces Stephanie, Helisa, Lanell and Marla and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family members. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com for the Horton family.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Barbara Ann Horton.