Gail Jessup Barbee Durham lived a life marked by dedication, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
She built a distinguished banking career while overcoming personal tragedy and establishing a lasting legacy through her family and community service.
Highlights
- She built a successful 37-year banking career, rising to Vice President at Bank of America while overcoming significant personal tragedies.
- She faced and persevered through the untimely deaths of both her husbands – first, James Larry Barbee, who died of a heart attack while she was only 35, and later, Frank Durham, after 23 years of marriage.
- She dies peacefully at the age of 87 on February 13, 2025, at Homestead Hills in Winston-Salem.
Gail began her professional journey immediately after high school.
She moved to Winston-Salem after graduating as valedictorian from Westfield School in 1955.
She started her banking career the very next day after graduation. Her work ethic was legendary – she believed no day should pass without hard work.
She built an impressive 37-year career in banking. She rose through the ranks at Bank of America.
She ultimately achieved the position of Vice President before retiring at age 65.
Her colleagues respected her dedication and professionalism. She balanced her demanding career with raising her son as a single mother after her first husband’s death.
Gail excelled in academics and athletics during her school years.
She played basketball with remarkable skill. She earned recognition on the Frank Spencer All-Stars Northwest Team during both her junior and senior years.
Her competitive spirit and determination carried into her professional life.
She served as treasurer at Brown Mountain Baptist Church for 18 years.
She maintained this role until health issues forced her to step back.
Her financial expertise benefited her church community. She demonstrated the same commitment in her volunteer work as in her professional career.
Gail Barbee Durham Faced Heartbreaking Loss Before Her Peaceful Death in 2025
Gail went through significant hardship throughout her life. She lost her first husband, James Larry Barbee, at a young age.
He died of a heart attack while playing baseball. This devastating loss left Gail widowed at just 35 years old. She had to raise their 13-year-old son, Todd, alone.
She showed remarkable strength during this difficult period. She provided for her son while advancing her banking career.
She never let tragedy derail her responsibilities or dampen her spirit.
Twelve years later, after Todd had married, Gail found love again. She reconnected with an old friend, Frank Durham.
They married and built a happy life together. They blended their families successfully over 23 wonderful years of marriage.
Tragedy struck again in 2009 when Frank died unexpectedly at age 76.
Frank passed away on August 5, 2009, at Forsyth Medical Center.
He had been an avid fox hunter who loved working in his garden. He shared Gail’s deep faith and membership at Brown Mountain Baptist Church. His death once again left Gail to face life alone.
Gail’s faith sustained her through these challenges. She remained an active member of Brown Mountain Baptist Church.
She built deep connections within her community. She maintained close relationships with her blended family.
She took great pride in her family, especially her granddaughter Madeleine.
She stayed close with her remaining sister, Nell Baker. She also maintained warm relationships with her stepchildren – Dwight, David, Frankie, Patsy, and Tammy.
Gail passed away at the age of 87 on February 13, 2025, at Homestead Hills in Winston-Salem.
Her family held a private graveside service at Brown Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery on February 17, 2025, officiated by Reverend Eddie Carter.
She leaves behind a legacy of determination, faith, and family devotion.
Her banking career demonstrated her professional abilities. Her response to personal tragedy revealed her incredible resilience.
Her commitment to family showed her capacity for love through difficult circumstances.
Additional Information
- Born on April 22, 1937, to Robert L. and Drucilla Cook Jessup, Gail came from a large family with six siblings (Ruth, Rachel, Lois, Boyd, Wayne, and Nell).
- In addition to her professional accomplishments, Gail had a special bond with her only granddaughter, Madeleine Rose Barbee of Washington, DC, whom she adored and took great pride in.
