Barbara Kaye Dursum

Barbara Kaye (Dix) Dursum, 86, of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away on February 16, 2026. She lived a great life story.

Barbara was born in Joliet, Illinois, on July 20, 1939, the first daughter of Richard and Lorene Dix. She was a proud graduate of Southeastern High School in Detroit in 1957. She attended the University of Michigan and received her bachelor's degree in 1961 from U of M, followed by her master's degree in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. She enthusiastically rooted for the Wolverines and generously donated to the school her entire life. In 1962, Barbara married Walter (Skip) Eichhorn, the father of her three daughters: Jannifer, Amy, and Allison, all of whom are University of Michigan graduates. Barbara married her second husband, David Dursum, in 1992. They had 33 wonderful years together.

Barbara enjoyed a distinguished career as a public educator and shared her passion for learning in many ways throughout her life. She was a high school teacher first of English, French and History and then an administrator at Wayne-Westland Community Schools. She specialized in Adult and Community Education as well as Tech-Prep programs for Oakland County Intermediate School District and Oakland Community College. She had a passion for literacy and participated in many Oakland Literacy Council programs as well. She received many awards and accolades throughout her career and was honored by the Michigan Board of Education as she retired.

In retirement, Barbara continued to share her talents and passion for the community. Her heart went out to many charitable organizations such as Paws with a Cause, the Michigan Humane Society, and the First Congregational Church in Royal Oak to name a few. All golden retrievers immediately became her best friend. Music was another joy for Barbara and she played the piano and loved the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Together, with her husband David, she enjoyed the game of bridge and cherished the many friendships made through the game. Bridge cruises and seminars were a part of their lifestyle. They also did much traveling, visiting Ireland, Spain, England, Panama and attending many unforgettable sporting events including The Masters, Wimbledon, a World Series, and an Army-Navy game. She was an avid golfer, reader, and loved watching Jeopardy nightly as a favorite way to end a busy day.

Barbara was deeply devoted to her family and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. She made it a point to stay in touch with family members and created special holiday memories at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve as well as cherished summer days in Lake Odessa, Michigan. She traveled to Vietnam with her daughter, Amy, to adopt her grandson, Zachary, and welcome him into our family. "Grammy" had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren. She planned a special trip with each grandchild when they were young and loved seeing them grow into adulthood where she remained a constant presence in their lives.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kathleen Dix. She is lovingly remembered by the family members who survive her: husband David, sister Rebecca (William) Graham, daughters Jannifer Stromberg, Amy (Reed) Perkins, Allison (Tim) Brink, and seven grandchildren: David Stromberg, Elisabeth Stromberg, Caroline Stromberg, Zachary Perkins, Katharine Perkins, Jacob (Meagan) Brink , and Genevieve (Sam) Gaby. She is also survived by a world of many dear friends.

Her life was a blessing and her memory will be forever cherished.

A visitation will be held for Barbara from 4:00-8:00 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile, Royal Oak. Funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 am with an hour of visitation beginning at 10:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara's life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Paws With A Cause, via https://pawswithacause.org/donate/; The Michigan Humane Society, via https://give.michiganhumane.org/page/53914/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=Redirect; or The University of Michigan History Department at the School of Literature, Science and the Arts in honor of Barbara Dursum via https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/308208/recurring/category/program-support,social-science,arts-and-culture_humanities,schools-and-colleges_college-of-literature,-science,-and-the-arts_history.

Please share a story of Barbara or leave a tribute at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com