Barbara Jewel Haywood

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara Jewel Haywood, who peacefully entered eternal rest on July 4, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a courageous two-year battle with kidney and heart disease. She was 84 years old. Barbara was born on April 3, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Robert Haywood and Lillie May Adams. She was raised in Fairmont, North Carolina, and Queens, New York, where she learned the values of perseverance, hard work, and compassion that would define her life. After graduating from high school, Barbara began working to help support her family. Throughout her career, she held several positions, including spending 16 years with Sports Illustrated. She later followed her passion for books and learning by becoming a librarian, serving at both the Queens Public Library and the Queens College Music Library. After relocating to Greensboro, North Carolina, she continued her career at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Library, where she faithfully served for 11 years before retiring. Barbara’s greatest joy was her family especially her only child, Brendan Todd Haywood. When her son was drafted into the NBA, she was blessed with the opportunity to retire and enjoy the next chapter of her life. In 2017, she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she lived with her son and family, cherishing the time spent with those she loved most. Barbara will be remembered for her tenacious strength, unwavering love for her family, kind heart, and lifelong dedication to serving others. Her wisdom, grace, and strong-willed spirit touched everyone who knew her. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved son, Brendan Todd Haywood; daughter-in-law, Theresa Haywood; her cherished grandchildren, Alani Joy Haywood and Maota Mitchell; her loving sister, Natalie Haywood; her devoted nephew, Aquil Sadiq; her beloved niece, Kirstin Haywood; and a host of extended family members and dear friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Haywood and Lillie May Adams, and her beloved sister, Etta Sadiq. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Barbara’s legacy of love, faith, resilience, and devotion to family will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23 Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.

Barbara Jewel Haywood

April 3, 1942 - July 4, 2026