Barbara Jean Gustafson

Barbara Jean Gustafson November 24, 1942 – September 12, 2026 Barbara Jean Gustafson, 83, of Wake County, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by the love of the family village she spent her life building and cherishing. Born in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, and adopted by the late Leo and Beatrice Kreckel, Barbara devoted her life to caring for and serving others. She began her career as a nurse, working as a staff nurse, public health nurse, home health educator, and critical care nurse. After 30 years in nursing, she turned her attention to nonprofit and volunteer work, becoming a passionate advocate for children and families. Barbara founded after-school and tutoring programs, local 4-H clubs, Teens in Action, Teen Court, and Attendance Councils, and trained volunteers to support students and teachers. Her dedication earned numerous honors, including the North Carolina Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. A lifelong volunteer, Barbara served her communities through Girl Scouts, church ministries, choirs, youth leadership, and civic organizations. She was known for her warmth, bright smile, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Barbara was happiest with her hands in the dirt or a hand of cards on the table. Her garden was her pride and joy and loved sharing what she grew. She never turned down a good card game — playing to have fun with a competitive edge. Above all, she believed that a life well lived was one spent showing up for others with generosity, integrity, and love. She is survived by her family village: her children, grandchildren, and generations of family and friends who lovingly called her Grammie or Mrs. Gus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Gustafson. Barbara's legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in all those whose lives she touched. In Lieu of Flowers in honor of Barbara's lifelong devotion to young people, the family invites donations in her memory to the Perquimans County Schools Foundation:  Barbara Gustafson Fund, PO Box 337, Hertford, NC  27944, or to a non-profit of your choosing.