Barbara High Tyre

RED OAK - Barbara Jean High Tyre, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Born in Nash County, NC on June 29, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Edgar High and Annie Pearl Kennedy High. She was also preceded in death by her husband, David Lee Tyre and her brother S.E. High.

Barbara dedicated her life to helping and serving others in the hopes of providing a better tomorrow for all. Born and raised in Nash County, she was a graduate of Northern Nash High School and went on to receive a Bachelor Degree in English from Campbell University, a Master's of Divinity from Southeastern Theological Seminary along with a Master's of Arts in Education from North Carolina Central University. Her dedication to higher learning and education, combined with her faith became a voice for all underserved within the state. She enjoyed her years spent as both an English teacher and a counselor having made an impact on many within the community. Barbara's desire to educate others wasn't limited to the classroom, as she was a life-long 4-H Member, having been inducted into both the Nash County and North Carolina State Hall of Fame for her diligent advocacy for all things agriculture related. In 1981 she began serving on the Red Oak Town Council, a role she would continue for almost 40 years. As a Commissioner, Barbara participated in approving street lights, sewer improvements, community development, historic preservation, implementation of Northern Nash Water System and the overall general quality of life in this area. She remained active in both the Nash County and State Democratic Party, advocating for various just causes such as women's rights, health care (especially in regards to nursing homes and handicap rights), education and business. She also served as the Nashville Chapter President, State President, Parliamentarian and National Board Member for the BPW or Business and Professional Women. Barbara served as Pastor of Sims Methodist Church, in addition to offering her musical talents for other area churches and as a member of the Red Oak United Methodist Church where her strong faith and dedication to ministries was and will always be a testament to Barbara's life. Her service to all for the betterment for all earned her recognition as she was a recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine in October of 2018.

Barbara is survived by her sons, David Clay Tyre and Lee Jordan Tyre and his wife Susan; her sister Patricia High Bailey Nelson; a nephew, Roger Bailey and his wife Janet; several nieces, Mitzi Wilson and her husband Mark, Cyndi Goerke and her husband Tom, and Donna McGee; grandnieces, Lyssa Becho and her husband Carlos, Ashley Wilson, and Bailey McGee; a grandnephew Tyler McGee; and a great-grand niece Maya Becho.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Red Oak Cemetery, with Rev. David Joyner officiating. Friends are welcome to visit with the family following the services at the cemetery. The family respectfully requests that everyone in attendance maintain social distancing, to include wearing of face mask, as a courtesy to the health and safety for all.

In lieu of flowers a donation or gift in Barbara's name be given to either the NC Agricultural Foundation in support of the Pugg Hollowell-Effie Vines Gordon Memorial Scholarship for Nash County 4-H, Campus Box 7645, NC State, Raleigh NC 27695, or to the Hazel A. Valentine Scholarship Fund in support of Nashville Business Professional Women's Club, 702 Southcreek Drive, Nashville, NC 27856, or to the Red Oak Area Preservation Society, P.O. Box 61, Red Oak, NC 27868.

The family would like to especially thank all those in the community for the outpouring of love and prayers. Understanding for some there may be a reluctance to attend the graveside services due from the current healthcare crisis, there will be an announced Celebration of Life Service in Remembrance of Barbara in the near future.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

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Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services LLC

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