Barbara Ann Young was born in Brooklyn, New York at Kings County hospital on May 6, 1944 to the late William David Cradle and Maggie Lee Cradle. She was one of five siblings that blessed the couple. She had two sisters, Lelia and Janice; and two brothers, Leon and the late William.

Barbara received her early childhood education in Manteo, North Carolina. She then migrated to New York where she attended and graduated from Richmond Hill High School. She furthered her education at Queens Borough Community College receiving an Associates Degree in Education then a Bachelor's Degree in Education from St. John's University.

Barbara met Rev. Dr. Charles W. Young and was united in holy matrimony and from this union, they were blessed with three children, Kimberly, Brian and William. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife, finds a treasure and he receives favor from the Lord.”

Barbara was employed by the New York City Public School System as a Kindergarten Teacher. Barbara and her husband Reverend Dr. Charles W. Young being led by the Lord organized and founded Smith-Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. She served in the Church as a Missionary President, Sunday School Superintendent, Class Leader, and Consecrated Deaconess. Barbara was affiliated with New Hope Chapter #56, Order of the Eastern Star.

Barbara loved all children; not just the children in Smith-Thompson. She believed that all children should have a chance to be great in this world. Barbara was an author publishing a children's book. Barbara loved feeding the hungry, she loved putting her arms around those whom felt nobody loved them and she showed them love. She will never be forgotten because we can hear her melodious voice, “When God starts passing out Blessings, save a Blessing for me.” She always had a song in her heart and was happy to praise God singing with the Deaconess Choir. Barbara had high hopes and prayed consistently that we will march into the new church together, but God gave her another church and she marched through Heaven's doors according to His plan.

Barbara is preceded in death by her aunts, Annie Drake and Ossie Dunston of NC and three uncles, Billy, Nick and James of NC. Departing this life on February 23, 2013, she leaves to cherish precious memories her loving, loyal, devoted husband of thirty seven years, Rev. Dr. Charles W. Young; her daughter, Kimberly of Maryland, Brian of Charlotte, NC and William from Alabama; three granddaughters, Lanequa, Bryonne and Savannah; four grandsons, Tyshawn, Kevin, Byrian, Breitling and William, Jr.; two sisters, Lelia Baker of Rocky Mount, NC and Janice Dobson of NJ; one brother, Leon of Manteo, NC; one aunt, Wilma Keys of Washington DC; one uncle, Theodore Roosevelt Meekins of NC; two great aunts, Mary Skinner of Elizabeth City, NC and Eleanor Burgess of VA; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

All of the family and friends had a unique place in her heart. She loved saying, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.”

Obituary for Barbara Young

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