Barbara Durham Plumlee

May 1, 2025

Barbara Craddock Durham Plumlee of Charlotte, North Carolina, died on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the age of 89. She was born in Roxboro, NC, on June 28, 1935 to Elizabeth Clayton Townsend Durham and Alexander Franklin Durham, Jr. Barbara grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from E. C. Glass High School and later, Salem College. She married Claude Armstrong Plumlee, Jr. in 1957, a marriage that lasted 63 years.

Barbara is survived by her three daughters, Clayton Fountain (Vinton) of Wilmington, NC, Sallie Close (Derick) of Charlotte, NC, and Betsy Parkhurst (Dick) also of Charlotte. She is also survived by her beloved nine grandchildren: Clayton Fountain Merritt (Worth), Mary Grigg Fountain Meacham (William), Perry Townsend Fountain, Baxter Close Petrone (John), Claude Plumlee Close (Mary), Craddock Springsteen Close, Lindsey Parkhurst Upchurch (Graves), Stewart Parkhurst Eveleth (Lanier), and Sallie Granville Parkhurst, as well as her five great-grandchildren: John Springs Petrone, Alice Farrior Merritt, Sallie Healand Close, Louise Dayre Merritt, Constance Reeves Close, with two more on the way.

Barbara valued her relationship with her many friends throughout her life, including those from Lynchburg, Salem College, Charlotte, and most recently, the Carlton entourage. She cherished her time spent with family, especially family trips and events. She was a spirited volunteer and a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, The Charlotte Assembly, The Southminster Board of Trustees, and an active member of Christ Episcopal Church. Barbara will be remembered at a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, on May 6, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The service will also be live-streamed at www.christchurchcharlotte.org/funeral-live-broadcast/. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the home of Baxter and John Petrone, 2616 Briarcliff Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28207, Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC, 28210, or the charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to thank the many doctors who cared for Barbara over the years, as well as Tammy Parrish, Dr. JP McBryde, and VIA Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral and Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28204, 704-641-7606.

“It’s not about what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.” –Helen Walton

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Comments

  • Ted Forbes

    Barbara was a beautiful person inside and out! It was my pleasure to have known her! She was the perfect mate to my good friend and associate Claude Plumlee. I feel very fortunate to have to have shared some time in my life with the Plumlee’s! Godspeed to Barbara’s family, she made a lot of lives better!

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  • Madeleine sheeran

    Mrs. Plumlee meant so much to me growing up. I remember talking to her for hours to the point Clayton would just leave us. I remember her doing my hair for prom! So may memories! She and Claude were the best!

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  • Lib Munday

    I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Plumlee's passing. She was a very special lady and Joel and I were very fond of her. I'm sure Joel was one of many to greet her at the pearly gates. My sincere condolences and love go out to Sallie, her sister's and the rest of the family.

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  • Mary Catherine & Bobby Chesney

    So sad to hear you have lost sweet Barbara! What a happy woman, full of life, always a smile to share & warm, cute sense of humor. Reunited now with her Claude! She will be missed by many! Love & hugs to all the family. xoxo
    Mary Catherine (Archer) & Bobby Chesney

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  • Ainslie Wall

    Few people make me smile when I think of them, but she sure did- from that voice, to that sparkle in her eyes, she will be missed by so many!! Such a wonderful lady who raise three amazing girls!! Love to you all-
    Ainslie and Ed Wall

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  • Fran Mathay

    The Sustainers of the Junior League of Charlotte were saddened to learn of Barbara’s death. She was a respected volunteer for many years with our Community Projects and Mission in serving others. Our thoughts are extended to her family and many friends as they remember and celebrate Barbara’s life.

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