Barbara Jean Boyd Burkley was born on Friday, March 1, 1940, to Wilson Clarence Boyd and Carrie B. (Hannah) Boyd in Tarboro, North Carolina. She was the third of five children. Her primary education was provided by the Edgecombe County School District. The Boyd family moved to Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1951. In 1958, Barbara graduated from I. C. Norcom High School. After graduation, she moved to New York. Soon after, she earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University, Manhattan Center, New York, New York. In the mid 1960’s, Barbara met Rudolph Burkley. Toward the end of the 1960’s, Barbara united with Rudy in holy matrimony. They welcomed their son, Guy, in 1970. He added much excitement to their lives.

For more than 30 years, Barbara was employed by the New York City Bureau of Labor Relations in leadership positions, including Labor Relations Specialist and Director of Public Relations. She lived in Queens, New York, for many years before retiring to Palm Coast, Florida, with her husband. With an abundance of knowledge to share, Barbara returned to the workforce as a staff member at Daytona State College (Palm Coast Campus). Barbara was an active member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, supporting the development of Human Resource practices and serving as a dutiful doorkeeper with the Usher Ministry. Mt. Calvary's youth ministry considered "Ms. Barbara" to be its unofficial cheerleader because she was always present to support her grandchildren as they participated in youth ministry activities.

In her leisure time, Barbara enjoyed reading, playing tennis, shopping, and building projects with her very own toolbelt, mastering home projects like her father.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in eternal rest by her husband, Rudy; brother, Raymond Boyd; and sister, Gladys Boyd.

After a lengthy illness, Barbara entered the sunset of life on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Cherished memories of Barbara remain with her loving and devoted son, Guy, Sr. (Kristina); grandchildren, Deja Burkley, Deidra Burkley, Guy Burkley, Jr., Katie Hall, Alechi Rizzi; twin great granddaughters, Brooklyn Saint Beverly and Britney Saint Beverly; sisters, Hedy Marie Davis, Jacquelyn Boyd and Estelle Jones; nieces and nephews, Najee Shakir, Jason Pittmon, Sr., Bruce Whitfield, Raymond Boyd, Jr., Daryl (Shirley) Boyd, Risa Coward, Renee (George) Beckford, Lexaun (Derrick) Gilley and several great nieces and nephews.