Barbara Joyce Dunaway

Barbara Joyce Dunaway, 97 of Southfield Michigan passed away at Mission Point Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Clawson on June 29, 2025. Barbara was a dedicated Christian, never wavering in her belief in the power of prayer, the promise of eternal life and one day being reunited with her loved ones in heaven. Barbara was born in Detroit Michigan to the late Clay and Fern Dunaway on August 10, 1927 and was the oldest of 3 children. She spent most of her life in her cherished home in Southfield and is predeceased by her parents, brother Robert Joseph Dunaway and sister Nancy LaPine. While she didn’t have biological children, Barbara evolved to be the family matriarch providing consistent guidance and encouragement to three generations of nieces and nephews from their earliest years through adulthood including; Robert Earl Dunaway, Joseph Dunaway, John Dunaway, Dawn Werner (Patrick), Michael Dunaway (Lisa), Keagan Dunaway, Carlie Dunaway, Heidi Hannan Truba (David), Jack Hannan, Zoe Hannan, Kevin Dunaway, Elle Dunaway, Renee Schuett (Matt), Madison Schuett, Reece Schuett, Christy Carriero, Addison Perry (Joshua), Patrick LaPine (Kathy), Madison LaPine, Christopher Grafmiller, Mildred Grafmiller, Jeremy Grafmiller, Kristen Yamagata (Masaya), Emma Yamagata, Jeffrey Thomas (Christine), Jack Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Brittney Forgue (Kevin) and Karson Forgue. Family was her first passion and remained at the center of her life until the day she died. She opened her home to relatives in need several times over the years and to those touched by this gesture, her generosity will never be forgotten. She adored the Christmas season and spent countless hours (days) preparing her home for her favorite night of the year, Christmas Eve. Having a meaningful professional life was Barbara’s second passion. She launched a 73-year career in 1946 immediately after graduating from Edwin C. Denby High School in Detroit. Working in accounting and customer service brought her joy and a sense of purpose until her retirement at the age of 92. Her legacy lives on in the hearts she touched and in every act of kindness inspired by the unconditional love she so freely gave.

Barbara Joyce Dunaway

August 10, 1927 - June 29, 2025