Barbara Jean Switzer, 75, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Novant Presbyterian Main Hospital.

Barbara Jean Gordon Switzer, lovingly known as "Barb," danced her way into eternity on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family at Novant Presbyterian Hospital Main in Charlotte, NC. Born on May 17, 1950, in Norwood, NC to James "Jim" and Lillian Richardson Gordon, Barb was a radiant soul whose life was filled with joy, generosity, and love.

Born in Davidson County and raised in the close-knit Brickyard Community of Norwood, Barb's roots were strong and her spirit even stronger. A member of Cottonville AME Zion Church, she carried her faith with grace. After meeting the love of her life, Hubert Switzer, Barb moved to Charlotte, where their union blossomed into a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and legendary cooking.

Barb was educated in Stanly County Schools and spent her career serving the state she loved at the North Carolina Department of Transportation. But her true calling was people. Whether she was dancing with her sisters and lifelong friends—Sandra, Hattie, Vonnell, Dot, Callie, and Janet—or feeding the community with her famous cooking, Barb made every moment count.

Together with Hubert, a professional chef, Barb became a staple at festivals and camp meetings, known for their unbeatable turkey legs, brats, funnel cakes, and lemonade. Though Hubert had the training, Barb had the flair—and she never let anyone forget who the real boss in the kitchen was! Her heart was as generous as her portions, often giving away just as much as they sold.

Barb's love extended far beyond food. She was a mother to many, especially her nieces and the young women she mentored. Her daughter-in-law, Lynne, and granddaughters Terrika, Raven, and Yazmine were her pride and joy, and she lit up at the mention of their names. Her boys—Ray, "Biggun", and "Wezil"—held a special place in her heart, and it was "Biggun" who lovingly watched over her as she transitioned peacefully.

Let's not forget her beloved cats, who brought her daily joy and were treated like royalty and what her sisters and her refer to as their favorite "chocolate candy."

Barb now joins her heavenly family: her parents Jim and Lillian Gordon; brothers James McArthur "Sonny," Gordon, Bobby George "Phil" Gordon, Richard Archie "Duke" Gordon, Donald Ray "Pee Wee" Gordon; mother- and father-in-law, Hubert Switzer Sr and Pernell Switzer, sister-in-law, Stella Switzer, brothers-in-law, James "Tally" Collins and James "Pop" Herring.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter in her husband, Hubert Switzer; her sons, Rayfield "Ray" (Lynne) Taylor, Lyderrick "Biggun" Taylor, and Keyerick "Wezil" Taylor; daughter Yolonda Gill; grandchildren, Terrika (Jerrick) Lane, Tasmin, Raven, Jordan, Nyesha, and Yazmine Taylor; Nashala Gill; great-grandchildren, Rayne Lane and Janiyla Gill; sisters, Shirlene Collins and Vanessa Herring; sisters-in-law, Pansy Switzer, Julia McFadden, Delois Perry, Martha Switzer, and Deborah Switzer; cherished friend, Lola and her "Baby Girl" "T", who visited and cared for Barb faithfully, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Barb's life was a celebration. She taught us how to live fully, love deeply, and laugh loudly no matter the circumstance. Though we'll miss her physical presence, we know she's now dancing on streets of gold, free from pain, surrounded by love, and probably still claiming she's the best cook in heaven.

Rest well, Barb. You were one of a kind—and we're all better because of you. You will be sorely missed.

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This service will be live streamed.

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You may view by clicking the link below.

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