Barbara Ann Collins Eure was born in Eastville, Virginia, to the late Clifton Herman Collins and the late Maggie Virginia Satchell Collins, on March 7, 1948.

She gave her life to Christ at a young age and joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Eastville, Virginia. Her life was a shining testament to her devotion to God, her family, and her calling as a teacher and nurturer of creativity. Her unwavering faith guided her throughout her life and became a foundation that she joyfully passed on to future generations.

Her academic journey began at Northampton County High School, where she graduated in 1966. She then attended Maryland State College (now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore), earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Education in 1970. During her college years, she distinguished herself as both a leader and a gifted artist. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she served as Chapter President during her senior year. Her campus involvement also included serving as a photographer for the Yearbook Staff, as well as participating in the Art Club, Women's Council, NAACP, the National Conference of Artists, and Upward Bound. Additionally, she worked in the Art Department and collaborated with the Time-Life Library of Arts.

Barbara's passion for art flourished throughout her career. She was an educator and an entrepreneur. She taught at North Forsyth High School and West Forsyth High School before retiring from Summit School. In addition to her teaching, Barbara owned and operated Warehouse Arts and Collectors Choice, and she coordinated vending events for the National Black Theatre Festival and the CIAA Tournament. Even in retirement, her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit flourished; she continued to teach art classes in her home studio, further nurturing her love for the arts.

In the early 1980s, she traveled to Italy to study under Jim Moon, a protégé of Peggy Guggenheim. Over the years, she connected with renowned artists such as Romare Bearden and John Biggers, whose work greatly influenced her own. Locally, she collaborated with Winston-Salem artist Sonny Brown, the first curator of the Delta Arts Center. Her artwork was exhibited in galleries and private collections from Washington, D.C., to Tuskegee, Alabama, with several pieces held in the private collection of the late Dr. Maya Angelou.

Above all her achievements, Barbara's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother who instilled in her children the values of hard work, kindness, and faith in God. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing love, wisdom, and encouragement with each of them. To her siblings, she was a steadfast source of strength and grace.

Barbara Ann Collins Eure, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, educator, and artist, peacefully transitioned from this life on August 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She will be remembered for her creativity, leadership, compassion, and immeasurable love. Although she has departed this life, the beauty of her faith, art, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William James Collins.

Those family members who survive and who will forever cherish loving memories of her include her husband, Malvin Barnes; two children, her daughter, Lauren Angela Eure of Rural Hall, NC, and her son, Jared Anthony Eure Sr. (Jenny) of Advance, NC. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jae, Jordan, Cydney, Chloe, Raheem (Abby), Cody, and Caleb; as well as her great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Ezra, and Thea. She is also survived by three brothers and a sister, Clifton Edward Collins Sr. (Brenda) of Yorktown, VA, Melvin Randolph Collins Sr. (Leona) of Virginia Beach, VA, Delores Elizabeth Thornton (Rebecca) of Dover, DE, and Lafayette Anthony Collins (Arlene) of Chester, VA; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30am Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 950 File Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 with Reverend Dr. Kendall D. Jones, Sr. eulogist.  The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Saturday at the Church.  The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.- Omega Omega Service will be held at 10:30am Saturday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Barbara's name be made to: New Bethel Baptist Church, 1016 Trade Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101