Barbara Elise Gregory, age 76 of Southport, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024. She was born on February 18, 1947, to Harry and Florence Hills and grew up in Ridgefield Park, NJ where she met the love of her life, John Gregory. They were high school sweethearts, married in 1969, and raised 3 loving children in Haworth, They were married for 48 years before John passed away in 2017. Barbara’s heart was truly broken that day.

Barbara spent her professional life as a registered nurse, working in home health care, and later as an EMT in both Haworth and Southport. But her true passion in life was her family. She loved her three children, Kathy, Kelly and Brian with her whole heart. Her happiest times were those when they were all together. She was Baba to seven beautiful grandchildren. The grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved going on vacation with them, going to their sports events, and especially face timing her two young grandsons.

Barbara was a giver, always willing to help others. It’s fitting then that the greatest gift of all was given to her on October 25, 2012, when her friend Bill Hayes donated one of his kidneys to Barbara. Bill’s kidney donation allowed her to enjoy over eleven more years of life, a gift that her family will be eternally grateful for.

She is survived by her mother: Florence Hills; daughters: Kathy Schwartz (Jimmy), Kelly Shumate (Alan); son: Brian Gregory (Randi); grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Kiera, Megan Schwartz, Peyton and Noah Shumate and Drexell and William Gregory; sisters: Mary Beth Brace (Richard) and Diane Adelfio (Tom); nieces and nephew: Danielle, Nicole, and Harrison. Barbara is predeceased by her father: Harry Hills; husband: John Gregory; and in-laws: Lois and Drexell Gregory.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 11am at Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel, 3479 Southport Supply Road, Bolivia, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St James EMS at 3628 St James Dr.,SE, Southport, NC 28461