Mrs. Barbara Dunlap Creswell, 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at her favorite place, home. She was born on January 15, 1955, in Anson County to Harris and Christine Dunlap. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Raeford (Patricia) Dunlap, Bobby Smith, and Slyvester (Connie) Downs.

She graduated from Anson High School in Wadesboro, she attended Winston Salem State University where she met the love of her life, Michael Creswell. She was a proud graduate of Winston Salem State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She had a great amount of love for her Winston Salem State “Rams” family and built life long friendships. During her time at Winston Salem State University, she served as a member of the Student Alumni Relations Association and completed a summer internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Budgeting and Accounting Department. During her senior year she was elected as “Miss Homecoming Queen 1976-77” by a majority vote of the university students.

Following college, she began her career with Hanes Printables as a Sales Coordinator, later becoming Hanes Brands. She continued her journey through life with the love of her life and they became one union on August 22, 1981. Two years later she gave birth to her one and only daughter, Ashley Creswell. After 40 plus years of hard work and dedication, she retired from Hanes Brands in March 2017.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, close friends and volunteering her time at church. She took great pride in every detail and found joy in framing and decorating, expressing her creativity in ways that made family, friends, and visitors feel loved and at home.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her warm heart, welcoming spirit, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Her beautiful smile brought comfort in difficult times and reassured those around her that everything would be okay.

She instilled in her husband and daughter the power of God, prayer, and the importance of keeping faith. She was a special jewel and was the rock of her family and will leave a memorable impression. She lived by her philosophy of life “be happy and continue progressing in life”.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 45 years, Michael Creswell, who lovingly stood by her side and cared for her throughout her most challenging days; her cherished daughter, her only child, Ashley Creswell, Charlotte, NC, who faithfully shared in her care and support; stepson, Michael Williams (Las Vegas, NV); one grandpup, Chase Alexander Creswell, Charlotte, NC, who held a special place in her heart and was a constant source of joy; sister-in-law, Terry (Lonnie) Clay, Hendersonville, NC; brother-in-law, Henry (Allene) Creswell, Hendersonville, NC; three loving aunts, Mary (Reverend Edward) Leak, Ansonville, NC, Shirley Allen, Ansonville, NC, and Edna Allen, Charlotte, NC; lifelong friend and aunt-in-law, Herszyne Cooley, Fayetteville, NC; nephew, Monty Downs, Memphis, Tennessee, Michael Whiteside, Hendersonville, NC, and loving nephew and laughing partner, Jermaine Waters, Hendersonville, NC; special loving cousin, Cornell (Brooke) Cooley III, Raleigh, NC; special friends; Sharon Buford, Vanessa (John) Gist, Diane (Michael) Boggs and a host of close, loving family and friends.

There will be no public viewing.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Friday, October 16, 2026 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC.