In Loving Memory of Barbara Jessie-Black January 6, 1963 – October 19, 2025

Barbara Jessie-Black passed away peacefully with a loving circle of friends surrounding her at her home in Durham, North Carolina, on October 19, 2025, after facing multiple myeloma with courage and grace.

Born in Berlin, Germany, to Ursula Hirschmann and Raymond L. Jessie, Barbara spent her early years closely connected to her maternal grandmother, aunt, and uncle. She attended Berlin’s John F. Kennedy School for children of U.S. service members, where she formed lifelong friendships and developed her enduring love of all things German, her multicultural perspective, and her fierce independence of spirit.

When her family later moved to Augusta, Georgia, Barbara deepened her connection with her paternal relatives in Texas, cherishing family reunions and Juneteenth celebrations. An accomplished student, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Augusta College in 1986.

Soon after graduation, Barbara made the Triangle her home, where she built both a meaningful career and a life of purpose. She worked for many years at Belk while earning her MBA from Meredith College. In 2004, she stepped into what would become her true calling when she was named President and CEO of CommunityWorx in Carrboro. Over the next twenty years, Barbara had a profound and lasting impact on the organization, its employees, and the broader community. She extended her influence through service on numerous boards, where her leadership, integrity, and compassion touched countless people.

Barbara’s life was guided by her unwavering belief in justice, equality, and kindness. She was a fearless advocate for racial and social equity and devoted herself to causes that supported children, families, and underserved communities. A committed yogini and spiritual seeker, she shared her insights and practice generously, including with students of religion at Wake Tech, living her truth with courage and authenticity.

She loved to travel and delighted in big-budget dramatic films such as The Towering Inferno and the Jurassic Park franchise. She was equally devoted to British crime dramas and could always recommend a favorite series.

Barbara’s friends describe her as strong, brilliant, and deeply genuine — a woman who saw through pretense and lived boldly by her convictions. She leaves behind a wide circle of devoted friends, colleagues, and community members who will remember her intelligence, honesty, fierce loyalty, and generous spirit.

She will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched.

In addition to many friends and chosen family members she is survived by cousins, Wynona Nelson, Frances Taplin, Travis Wayne Lee, Charlotte Ford, Denyse Ford, Willie Ford, Melanie Jessie, Erika Jessie-Washington, Teresa Jessie, Jennifer Stimpson, Natalie Stimpson, Joe Willie Jessie (Uncle Billy), Aunt Gudrun Schulz, Uncle Werner Schulz, Cousin Antje Schlüter and her son Oliver.