You take some things upon yourself.  Sometimes, for instance, you take the lead in sponsoring your family reunion because you know it’s an event that must and should be celebrated.

That’s what Barbara Gay Rupert Campbell did.  She arranged several of the Gay-Parker family reunions held in Farmville and twice held the reunion at her home.

A fine speaker and communicator, Barbara enjoyed opportunities to recall the time she spent with her grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She was not a person of just a few words.

Fond of reminding everyone that she was among the oldest children of the second generation of the Gay-Parker family, Barbara could expertly identify her spot among the “elite pre-baby boomer grand children” of Bob and Lillie Gay.

Without any pressure or argument she would tell you that Uncle Willie and Aunt Gennie’s Rosa Lee, Willie(Bro), and Robert were the oldest grandchildren. Barbara(Uncle Herman and Aunt Danny Ruth oldest child) would tell you that Rosa Bell(Uncle Freeman and Aunt Arie’s oldest child) and she were the next oldest ones.  Then, almost on cue after looking over the family members at the reunion, Barbara would announce that she was the oldest grandchild in attendance.

The first member of the Gay-Parker family to graduate from college, Barbara taught English & Spanish in Virginia, California, North Carolina, and charter school programs for over 20 years, along with working in a family-owned day care and senior care center.