Barbara Lowery Locklear

Ms. Barbara Locklear, a devoted cultural leader, mentor, and advocate for Native American education, went home on April 13, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born and raised in Robeson County, North Carolina, she moved to Charlotte as a newlywed in 1962. She became a passionate advocate for Native youth, helping them build cultural knowledge, confidence, and identity—work that earned her nationwide recognition. She dedicated her career to educating the public and breaking down cultural barriers through hands-on lessons, storytelling, and lectures across Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the Community School of the Arts, Blumenthal Performing Arts, The Mint Museum, and universities throughout the United States.

Her servant’s heart and spirit of philanthropy were a blessing to all she reached, from her local community to reservations across the country.

After leading a grassroots movement, she played a key role in establishing the government within the Lumbee Tribe, helping to pave the way toward federal tribal recognition—coming full circle on December 18, 2025, when the Lumbee Tribe became the 575th federally recognized tribe in the United States.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, John Locklear; her parents, Zula Belle and Alfred Lowery; and her siblings Gary, Timmy, Laverne, and Illa Belle Lowery.

She is survived by her siblings Sherry Collins, Stevie Lowery, and Kathy Summerlin (Jimmy); her children, Marke Locklear and Marlon Locklear (Bernice); her grandchildren, Jonathan Locklear, Cassie Sigmon (Ryan), Holly Knight (Richard), and Starr Gay (Adam); 11 great-grandchildren; countless nieces and nephews; and close friends, Alex and Ramesh John.

Ms. Barbara Locklear’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the generations she helped guide.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel officiated by Rev. Matamba Mbayabu. Burial and Smudging Ceremony will follow in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Richard Boles Funeral Service, Laurinburg.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Barbara Lowery Locklear, please visit our Tree Store.