If a life well lived is measured by the impact one has on other people, then Barbara Jackson Crider's life was extraordinary. She passed away peacefully on July 2 at the age of 79, surrounded by her family and friends. Barbara was born in Shelby on July 30, 1944, to Harold and Mae Jackson. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and true friend. People who knew her inevitably mention how kind and gracious she was. She took care of everyone, even those she just met. She looked out for those who needed a champion, whether it was a child or a friend in a nursing home. There was always a place at her table, and if she spotted a senior citizen eating alone, she would often extend an invitation to join her. Her caring nature extended to animals, and they were instinctively drawn to her. When her garden burst forth with hydrangeas each spring, the yard was filled with birds and chipmunks who gathered around the many feeders she provided. She also enjoyed spending time with her beloved dog, Bailey. She was a gifted teacher who impacted scores of students during her career. She taught grades ranging from kindergarten to high school English, but her favorite students were the ones who were overlooked or underestimated. She loved the moments in teaching when the "light would come on" for a student and they becameenthusiastic about learning. She began her teaching career in Blacksburg and Greenville, South Carolina, after receiving her degree in education from Appalachian State Teachers College (now ASU). It was while teaching in Fayetteville, North Carolina that she met her husband Tom, who was an army officer stationed at Fort Bragg. Barbara taught in cities all over the country and around the world, including Texas, Germany, and Michigan. She taught at Burns Middle School for several years before she retired, and during this time she was named Cleveland County's Teacher of the Year. What mattered most to her wasn't the award, but the fact that one of her beloved students had nominated her. Her independent nature was perfectly suited to her role as a military spouse. She and Tom traveled around the world during Tom's career, having adventures and making new friends along the way. She loved interior design and dreamed of having a home of their own once they retired. When they eventually settled in Shelby, she lovingly decorated their house and hosted numerous gatherings for friends and family over the years.

After she and Tom retired, they moved to the Raleigh area to be closer to their daughter and her family. Her determination shone through as she fought cancer for years, and proudly watched her grandchildren graduate from high school this June. Barbara's memory will be everlasting to those who knew her. Each time we reach out to help someone less fortunate, tend to a flower in spring, or care for the birds in her yard, we will smile and think of her. Barbara's parents, stepmother Evelyn Jackson, and brothers, Harold Grady Jackson, Jr. and David Jackson preceded her in death. Survivors include: her husband, Thomas Crider of Apex, daughter, Holly Crider Bodner and son-in-law, Jordan Bodner of Cary, grandchildren, Madeleine Bodner and Charlotte Bodner of Cary, brother, Tim Jackson of Fuquay Varina, sister, Angela Jackson Waldrop of Indian Trail, and numerous nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Cecil M. Burton

Funeral Home and Crematory of Shelby. The family will receive friends beginning at

1:00 P.M.