Barb Birkhead

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MP

Molly Parks

Barb Birkhead

January 29th, 1923 - November 18th, 2021

January 29th, 1923 - November 18th, 2021

Memorial

Mementos

Barb was a veteran public school teacher, an activist, an adventurer, a lover of the outdoors, and an extrovert who enjoyed nothing more than meeting new people. She was a loyal friend to many and wife of the late Kenneth Birkhead. She is survived by her son Scott Birkhead and his wife, Patrica Birkhead. Her son David Birkhead and wife Kathy Stanford. Her grandchildren, Sara Birkhead, Lauren Birkhead and partner Melissa George, Joanna Guild and Molly Parks and husband Mark Russell. And her great grandchildren to Adeline Parks, Adelie Russell, and Theo Russell. She spent her teaching years in the DC area raising her sons and involved in DC politics with her husband, Ken, who worked on Capitol Hill. She found the political world there fascinating. Barb spent the last 45 years of her life in Durham, NC, where she defined community involvement. She volunteered in the Durham Public Schools, at the Dispute Settlement Center, with the American Dance Festival, in local politics, and with the Eno River Association. She loved hiking on the Eno, traveling with the Elderhostel Association, and spending time with her family and friends. Barb will be greatly missed by so many people whom she inspired, whom she made laugh, with whom she argued, and who loved her. She was a true individual and a bright light in this world. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Eno River Association in Barb's memory (see link on giving page).

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Barb’s life with a heartfelt message.

BM

BILL MATTHEWS

Barb was the irresistible force, or maybe a relative of the energizer bunny. For most of her life she was intense! Intensely active, intensely interested (and interesting), intensely involved. She had to be 65-70 (?) and still going on camping trips, crawling in and out of tents, sleeping on the ground, cooking in the rain. Yes, she was last in line on the hikes, but that was because she had to stop and ID every wildflower and every bird. We admire forever her spirit, and will try to carry forward her politically active legacy. Happy trails, Barb. We will miss you. Bill, Marian & Ben

Published December 7th, 2021
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Bill Yaeger

Barb was my fifth grade teacher in Falls Church, Virginia. That was the year my father died, 1960, a horrible year. Barb aways had the right things to do and say, and as a neighbor, she and her family were very supportive to me, my mother and sisters. In 2004 she joined us for our mother's 95th birthday celebration. We are all fortunate to have had her in our lives.

Published December 7th, 2021
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TC

Tom Campbell

They don't make 'em like Barb any more! She was spunk and sparkle and special. She brightened my day every time I saw her.

Published December 7th, 2021
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LJ

Lula & Juanita Jenkins

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Published December 7th, 2021
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BY

Bill Yaeger

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Published December 7th, 2021
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MB

Mark Belwood

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Published December 6th, 2021
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