Barbara Hedgepeth

Barbara Dunnavant Hedgepeth, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on February 4, 2026.

Barbara was born in Crewe, Virginia, to Malcolm Beech Dunnavant Sr. and Mildred Crabtree Dunnavant. She attended Longwood University, a place that remained dear to her throughout her life. In later years, she proudly served on the Longwood University Foundation Board of Directors.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Emmett Martin Hedgepeth, Jr.; her parents; her sister, Shirley Spencer; her brother, Macky Dunnavant; and her son-in-law, John Walter.

Barbara and Martin built a life together that took them to Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina. They lived in Tuscaloosa during the Bear Bryant years, and Barbara became a devoted and lifelong Alabama football fan. The family spent twenty-five years in Selma, Alabama, during which time Barbara worked as a middle school teacher, teaching special education. She loved nurturing and encouraging young people, a calling that remained central to her life long after retirement.

After moving to North Carolina, Barbara found deep joy in her church community. She especially loved teaching the preschool Sunday School class at University Presbyterian Church, where she delighted in sharing her warmth, patience, and faith with the youngest members of the congregation.

Barbara's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandsons who lovingly called her "Bobbi." She is survived by her daughters, Courtney Knoll (Sam) and Caroline Walter; her grandsons, Griffin Edwards and John Martin Walter; her step-grandsons, Hunter Knoll (Brennan) and Jack Knoll; her brother, Jimmy Dunnavant; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edwin and Sally Hedgepeth.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church, 209 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC, with a reception immediately following at the church. A private burial will take place at Burchwood Cemetery, Roxboro, N.C.

Barbara found deep purpose in caring for others, and she will be remembered for the love, concern, and quiet devotion she gave so freely throughout her life.

Memorials may be made to University Presbyterian Church or Longwood University.

Condolences may be sent to www.brooksandwhite.com.