Barbara Cunningham Bouldin

Barbara Lu Cunningham Bouldin was born on July 9, 1933, in Carrollton, KY to Maxie and Sarah Cunningham (South). She departed this life on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Barbara was preceded in death by both of her parents and by former spouse and forever friend, Eugene L Bouldin Sr.

Barbara attended Douglass Elementary School and Walnut Hills High School, from which she graduated with honors.  She continued her studies at Fisk University in Nashville, TN where she majored in Biology and Pre-Med.

In November of 1952,  Barbara became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Chapter.

She later transferred her membership to the Sigma Omega Chapter in Cincinnati, OH where she was active until her health began to fail. Her devotion to the sorority was fostered by her mother Sarah H South, a stalwart member until her death.

Barbara’s Biology degree led her to a research position at the May Institute, where her work was highly regarded. Her love for Douglass Elementary led her to become active in the Alumni Association, where she served as recording secretary.  She also volunteered with the Girls Club, an after-school program for girls at Hoffman Elementary.

Barbara had many interests.  She loved to bowl and played in a league for many years. She played the piano, loved to crochet, needlepoint, sew and other crafts. She also loved Sudoku, crossword puzzles and tabloid magazines! The Hi-Liter Social Club was a great source of enjoyment for Barbara. Her involvement helped to sustain life-long friendships.

Education was of high importance to Barbara.  Her love of learning and educating children led to a 30-plus year teaching career.  She taught 9^th grade Biology at Porter Junior High School and when the 9^th grade moved to Taft High School, she moved with them.  At Porter, she was voted “Favorite Teacher” several times.  She remained with the Cincinnati Public Schools until her retirement.

Barbara LOVED to sing.  She was a member of the Senior Choir at United Christian Church and Allen Temple AME Church.  Over the years, she sang with the Baroque Choral Ensemble, (Richard Bush) The Loretta Mangrum Ensemble,(under the direction of Eric Oliver), Opera Goes to Church and Classical Roots.

Barbara leaves to Cherish her memory: 3 Children, Janiece Bouldin Blunt (Eugene), Yvonne Bouldin Brantley and Eugene Bouldin Jr (Valora) 4 Grandchildren, David and Daniel Brantley of Cincinnati, Jahanna and Jelani Blunt of Los Angeles. 2 Great Grandchildren, Riley and Kameryn Blunt of Los Angeles. 2 very special 1^st cousins, Margo Bond McGill and Judy Bond White. Many, many former students, special niece Lisa Bouldin Carter and nephew Stephon A Bouldin, lifelong friends, Dr Charles Dillard, Dr Roland McGoodwin, Dr Chester Pryor, Daphne and Leon Robinson, Ruth Clemons Johnson, Betty Smith and many, many others, too numerous to list.

Barbara was extremely smart, quiet, classy, and very funny.  She had a great sense of humor and if you raised a camera to take a picture, she would always make a funny face.  We will miss her.

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