Gail Barbee (Jessup) Durham

Gail Jessup Barbee Durham

April 22, 1937 – February 13, 2025

Gail Barbee Durham, 87, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 at Homestead Hills in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born April 22, 1937 to the late Robert L. and Drucilla Cook Jessup. Gail was a woman of strong faith that gave her strength and perseverance to navigate life’s joys and challenges, with grace and unwavering devotion to her son and her family.

In addition to her parents, Gail was preceeded in death by her siblings, Ruth (Romney) Jessup, Rachel Jessup, Lois (James) Tilley, Boyd (Mary) Jessup and Wayne (Frances) Jessup.

Gail graduated as valedictorian of Westfield School in Pilot Mountain in 1955. She loved sports, especially basketball and baseball, and was quite the athlete in high school. She was named to the Frank Spencer All-Stars Northwest Team in both her junior and senior years.

Gail never thought a day should go by without working and working hard. She began her career the day after she graduated from high school. She moved to Winston-Salem and began a long career in banking. She retired at 65 years old from Bank of America as Vice President with 37 years of service.

Her first marriage was to the love of her life, James Larry Barbee. They had one son, Larry Todd Barbee, born in 1961. Larry too was an avid sportsman, but sadly passed away way too early in their marriage. He died on the baseball field of a fatal heart attack leaving Gail at just 35 years old to raise their son Todd, 13 at the time, by herself.

Twelve years later, after Todd was married, she rekindled a friendship with an old friend, Frank Durham. The two married and they shared 23 wonderful years together along side their blended families. Frank too died prematurely and left Gail to live alone once again in 2009.

Her strong faith kept her going. She was a devoted member of Brown Mountain Baptist Church. She faithfully served as treasurer for 18 years until her health declined.

Gail is survived by her sister, Nell (Billy) Baker of Winston-Salem, and her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Melanie Barbee of Winston-Salem. In addition, a granddaughter, Madeleine Rose Barbee of Washington, DC whom she was so proud of and loved dearly.

Gail also inherited a wonderfully large and loving stepfamily when she married Frank. Surviving are Dwight Durham, David Durham of King, Frankie Taylor, Patsy Spencer of Wilmington and Tammy Rodgers.

The family will gather privately at the graveside Monday, February 17, 2025 at 2:00pm at Brown Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Eddie Carter officiating.

Should you like to make a memorial to honor Gail, please do so to Brown Mountain Baptist Church, 2269 North Carolina Hwy 66 N or to an organization of your choice.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home is respectfully serving the family.

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