Barbara Ann (Gould) Patterson

Barbara Ann Gould was born April 12, 1945 in Rockingham, North Carolina. Barbara Ann was the daughter of the late Thelma Mae Gould Leak and raised by a village of love that included her mother, Coy Leak, Walter Gould Sr. and Lular Gould.  She is predeceased by her brother, Jimmy Leak, and sister, Sandra Leak. 

At an early age, Barbara Ann confessed her salvation at Greater Diggs Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church and was raised in New Diggs A.M.E. Zion Church both located in Rockingham, NC. Growing up in the church where her parents were founding members, Barbara Ann was active in Sunday school, Buds of Promise, Youth Choir, and the Youth Usher Board.  Barbara relocated to Washington, DC in 1968 and worshipped with her family at Pilgrim A.M.E. Church. After joining Pilgrim, she actively worked in the church and served God’s people.  She served her local church in various roles including as a member of the Church Board of Stewards, Stewardship and Finance Committee member, Treasurer of the Lela M. Jackson Missionary Society, member of the Richard E. Watkins Lay Organization, former Chair of the Christian Education Committee, former Pilgrim A.M.E. Funeral Choir member, and the former Registrar of Church Envelopes.

Barbara graduated from Leak Street High School in 1962. After graduating from Winston Salem State University in 1966 with a degree in Elementary Education, she began her career as a classroom teacher in Maxton, NC.  In 1969, she joined the teaching staff of Seaton Elementary School in Washington, D.C. where she worked until her retirement in 2000. Barbara earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Staff Development from Federal City College in 1973. She enjoyed teaching reading to her first and second graders while watching them blossom across the curriculum. She was a proud member of the Washington Teachers Union. Barbara walked the WTU picket line many times to ensure educators were respected and acknowledged for their commitment to teaching and learning.

As Walter and Lular’s first grandchild, Barbara was the keeper of the stories regarding the branches on her family tree.  For years, she served on the planning committee for the annual Gould and Steele’s family reunion.  Barbara loved spending time in Rockingham with her beloved family and friends. She was a founding member of the Leak Street High School Alumni – DC Chapter.  Like her mother, Thelma, Barbara was a sounding board to many but did not repeat that which had been entrusted to her.  Barbara loved word searches, the Game Show Network and autumn leaves.  She enjoyed traveling and eating crab cakes.  She loved looking good and smelling good. Attending Broadway shows and shopping created lifetime memories for Barbara. And, every playbill and garment held a unique story.

Barbara peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Monday, November 2, 2020.

Remembering her legacy of love are her children, Anthony L. Gould, Raleigh, NC; and Dr. Richelle Patterson, Glenn Dale, MD; her brother, Reverend Vernard R. Leak, Presiding Elder (Sarah), Lawrenceville, NJ; two nieces  Nikisha Leak, Salisbury, NC;  Jacquelyn Leak-Gillispie (Travis), Concord, NC; one grandson,  A. Jamel McDonald, Hamlet, NC;  three great-grandchildren, Jalil, Jace and Lyric McDonald (Hamlet, NC);  one great-niece Zuri Gillispie, Concord, NC; two great-nephews Jari Muhammad, Salisbury, NC; and, Jourdan Gillispie, Concord, NC;  her covenant sister-cousins & friends, Margaret Gould Maske, Mary Ruth Waddell, Barbara Mallory, Geraldine Steele, Sharon Gould, Lottie-Faye Dunkley, and Shirley Wimberly;  sister-in-love, Kathy Dyer, Rockingham, NC, several  cousins, the Pilgrim A.M.E. Church family, and friends.

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