April 11 1936 January 26 2020
Barbara’s Obituary Barbara Ann Vance (nee Enyard) was born to Laura Delores Butner and Marion (Tudie) Enyard on April 11, 1936 in Glasgow, Missouri. Barbara was ‘born’ at Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church. She played piano for services there beginning at age 5. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class at 15 years old from Dalton Vocational High School in Fulton, Missouri in 1951. She received her B.S in Elementary Education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri in 1956. While at Lincoln, Barbara became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Iota Chapter. She received her M.A. in Education from Michigan State University in 1961. She pursued her doctoral degree in Education Administration, Research and Evaluation at Wayne State University. Barbara was very proud of being an Educator. Barbara began her career in education in 1956 as a classroom teacher in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Barbara moved to Detroit and continued her work as a classroom teacher in the Detroit Public School System from 1959-1968. From 1968 to 1970, Barbara continued her passion for education at Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit as a research assistant. Barbara was the Midwest Director of the United States Teacher Corps and Technical Resource Center from 1970 to 1980. Barbara taught at WSU from 1980-1983. She returned to the Detroit Public School System from 1984-2006. During this time she was a math teacher, and Coordinator at Dossin Elementary School and an Assistant Principal at Paul Robeson Academy She was joined in holy matrimony with H. Bernard Vance Jr. on December 16, 1961. They were married for 48 years. To this union, three children Barrie (Harold) Wright, Brent D. Vance, Brian D. (Dara) Vance were born. Barbara was a woman of many talents. She enjoyed anything to do with mathematics, so much so that much of her professional life was focused on math instruction and curriculum development. Barbara enjoyed the pursuit of knowledge throughout her life, whether it involved reading, traveling throughout the world, going to museums, theater etc. She especially enjoyed playing the piano, and did so as for as long as she could. Barbara also enjoyed sewing, and could/would create a couture look in an afternoon for herself or anyone who asked. Barbara achieved many professional accomplishments throughout her life. Barbara was also a social chameleon and belonged to many organizations that catered to her many interests. Many of the organizations were associated with her career in education, among them the Association of Teacher Education, the American Educational Research Association, and the International Reading Association. Barbara was also a past president of the Consortium of Black Colleges and Universities and a past 1st Vice President of the Lincoln University Alumni Association-Detroit Chapter. Barbara received the National Distinguished Alumni Award from Lincoln University in 1987. Barbara was also a lifelong member of the NAACP. Barbara was part of the community track program and coached track for years. She also coached double dutch teams. Barbara infused everything she did with a spirit of infectious joy. Barbara departed this life January 26, 2020. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 48 years, her brothers, Robert and Howard, and her sisters Marion Lois and Marilyn Kay. She was also predeceased by her brother in law Reginald Davis and her nephews Sean and Andre Davis Barbara is survived by her children, grandchildren Sophia, Ryki and Laurence, brothers Gary (Elaine), David (‘Dot’), Jeffery (Sandra), Gregory, Joel, and Richard (Karen). She is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews and cousins and extended family. Barbara was a beloved mother/mentor and friend to many. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara Ann Vance April 11 1936 January 26 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Detroit, state: Michigan