Our blessing from God began on March 10, 1942 when Dutley and Eva Ellis Richard gave birth to their first born child, Barbara Jean Richard. Barbara was given a strong Christian foundation throughout her childhood and exemplified her faith and Spiritual beliefs throughout her adult life. On October 5, 2017, Barbara humbly and courageously accepted Christ loving hands into a peaceful journey of eternity with our Lord and Savior.

Barbara accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at St Joseph Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Wing in Marrero, Louisiana.

Barbara attended Fourth Ward Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960. She attended Southern University of New Orleans for two years and graduated from Southern University of Baton Rouge, La., with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. Barbara was the first to graduate from college in her family.

Barbara continued her studies at universities in Missouri and Kansas to obtain her Masters + 35 in education and administration. She had a profound understanding of the importance of education and the significance of knowledge.
Barbara was a dominant force and supporter of academic achievement, servicing and touching the lives of many children and adults for thirty-five years, collectively.

Barbara, a young southern, first year, school teacher became acquainted with Robert Gatewood through mutual friends during a short summer vacation in Chicago, Illinois. Barbara and Robert quickly recognized their love for each other and entered into Holy Matrimony on February 25, 1968. To this union the Lord blessed them with a son, Raul Richard Gatewood, in 1973.
Barbara was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother like no other. She “loved” her husband, her son with immense unconditionally love. She gave her husband (the love of her life) all that she had.

Barbara was a vibrant and very energetic woman. She participated in the Civil Rights Movement and joined many others in the monumental walk in Washington, D.C. with Dr. Martin Luther King. She was a member of Jack and Jill Organization and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Barbara was a deaconess at Mount Carmel Missionary Church for seventeen years and worked on the Bereavement, Benevolent, and food committees. Her most gratifying moments, however, occurred during missionary work with the elderly. She was a true mother to the kids in the classroom and the community.

Barbara leaves an abundance of memories to her husband of 49 years, Robert Gatewood; her son, Raul Richard Gatewood; her daughter-in-law, Michelle Gatewood; her stepson, Robert Neal; and her grandchildren, Nachelle Culpepper, Tyra and Robert Raul Gatewood, Robert, Erin, Xavier, Tylisa, Dominic, and Alecea Neal, and five great, grandchildren.
Also cherishing her memory are her siblings: Carol R. (Jasper) Morgan, Dutley Lee Richard Jr., Linda R. (Casey) Jumpiere, Peggy R. (Wadleigh) Johnson, Kathey R. (Espy) Pace, and LaQuerita Richard. Sister-in-laws to cherish her memory include: Ella (Leslie) Newman, Marie Bundridge, Nancy Dillard, Linda (Larry) Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Dutley Richard Sr., mother, Eva Ellis Richard, niece, Tyra Tenel Johnson, brother- in-law, Jasper Larry Morgan, father-in-law, William Gatewood, mother-in-law, Alberta Gatewood, sister and brother-in-laws Roberta Gatewood, Hazel and Thaddeus Ferguson, and Curlis Gatewood.

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