Barbara Jean (Carter) Taylor was born on April 30, 1947 in Shumansville, Virginia in Caroline County to the late Johnny James Carter and Rosezell Carter. She was the youngest of her siblings James Pete and Alma Florence.  She was raised in a close-knit community, where many of her neighbors were family members. To Barbara, faith and family meant everything. Her bond with her parents was very important to her and she was especially thankful for her relationships with her siblings and all of her cousins.

Barbara dedicated her life to Christ at the age of 6. She was baptized by Reverend Carter of the Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Milford, Virginia. Barbara's unwavering faith in God was spearheaded by her mother who always made it known that the Lord is the head of her life and everything that's good comes from Him.

Barbara matriculated through the Caroline County Public School system. She began her career with the federal government in 1971, serving as a life-long employee of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Barbara earned her bachelors while employed at NIH.

Barbara married Marion G. Taylor on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1969. Barbara and Marion were neighbors and friends for years before they married. This union was blessed with their son, Ricky L. Taylor and later after the death of her beloved sister, Alma Florence Carter they adopted their nephew Ronnie O. Carter.  Barbara and Marion were married for fifty-two incredible years. Barbara committed her life to loving & supporting her sons, daughters in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Barbara Jean was a phenomenal woman in every sense of the word. Her ability to break barriers in her work place all while maintaining her role as a wife and a mother made her stand out to all who knew her. She was determined to create a life for herself and her family that they all would be proud of.   She especially worked hard to take care of her parents and her children, whom she loved so much. Her accomplishments were vast in all of the positions she held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. From beginning at an entry level position to earning her degree, to becoming a Branch Chief, her work-ethic was greatly admired by her co-workers and those who she mentored.  Anyone whom she worked with at NIH will tell you that Barbara was an expert at finding answers to difficult problems, she was a team player, and she worked long hours to close contract awards- some which included contracts worth more than $600 million, with ease and with style and grace. In July 2018, Barbara was awarded a certificate in recognition of fifty years of service to the United States Government. Her awards and recognitions during her time of service are innumerable. She was a trailblazer and made significant contributions to the Clinical Center Office of Purchasing and Contracts.

Barbara had a special God-given ability to make each of us feel at home whenever we were in her presence. She was a confidant to many and whether sharing your accomplishments or struggles, she made you feel as though you were her only friend. The genuine care, special loving attention, and advice she gave, in her own loving way, has truly touched many of us. Her life's mission and mantra was rooted in love. Barbara was a shining example of how we should live and be of service to the Lord. Barbara had unending love for her family and she treated everyone like family. Her approach to life set the tone for how we all should live.  She constantly sought peace and harmony.  We thank God for her legacy of love because when we remember her we remember that love never ends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband  Marion, her devoted sons Ricky L. Taylor (Valerie) and Ronnie O. Carter (Janis), grandchildren Lindsay O. Datcher (Earl), Eric L. Taylor (Helen), Heather L. Phillips, and Lafayettte Wallace Phillips, III, six great grandchildren,  loving brother James P. Carter, brother in law Richard Ruffin (Clara) and sister in law Reacie Lindsey (Russell), nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc; 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022  at Third Mt. Zion Baptist Church , 9132 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, Virginia, 22580 with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery, 21795 Mattaponi Trail, Milford, Virginia 22514.

Livestreaming will be available on C W Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.

Due to COVOD-19 a mask or face covering will be required.