Barbara Burleson Curtis, 79, of Morganton, NC, formerly of Avery County, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Barbara was born September 4, 1945 in Avery County, the daughter of the late Olin and Margaret Biggs Burleson. She was a 1963 graduate of Crossnore High School and went on to earn her business degree at Lees McRae College. She worked at the college from 1963-1965 in the public relations and publicity department and then as a tax clerk in McDowell County. Barbara retired as the Curriculum Division Assistant in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Department at Western Piedmont Community College. In addition, she was a Girl Scout Leader and served as president of the Pilot Club of Marion, Pilot of the Year and served in the other offices in the club. Barbara was a member of Heritage Independent Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Dora Burleson Hartwell and Shirley Kay Burleson; and brother, Sidney Olin Burleson.

She is survived by her husband, George Curtis; daughter, Tammy Jones Bailey and husband Lloyd; grandson, Reagan Bailey of Texas; granddaughter, Rylyn Bailey of Texas; brothers, Douglas Burleson and wife Tresia of Morganton, Larry Burleson and wife Joyce of Newland; and sister, Daris Burleson Greenway and husband Curtis of York, South Carolina.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Heritage Independent Baptist Church with Pastor Dewayne Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at Yellow Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday prior to the service from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the church.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.