This obituary was originally published on Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.
Barbara Gurganious Schultz, 85, of Linden, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Born on March 12, 1940, in Ivanhoe, Barbara was the youngest and last surviving of four children born to the late Shellie Bruce Gurganious and Addie Mildred Johnson Gurganious. Growing up in Ivanhoe, she developed a deep pride in her Sampson County roots that shaped her character, faith, and love for community. She remained forever grateful for her parents’ sacrifices, especially their commitment to providing her with piano lessons as a young girl, a gift that blossomed into a lifelong ministry.
Barbara was a devoted member of Cedar Falls Baptist Church, where she once served as church pianist, and later shared her musical talents for many years at Eureka Baptist Church. Music was her worship, and she often said she played the piano “for the glory of God.” Every May 1st, she faithfully returned to her home church, Black River Presbyterian, in Ivanhoe to play for Homecoming, a tradition she cherished.
A sweet and loving woman, Barbara lived her life as a shining example of kindness, humility, and devotion. Her love for her family, church family, and friends was abundant and unwavering.
Barbara had many joys in life—she loved to shop, especially for shoes and pocketbooks, and she relished her time spent at the beach. She was an avid clock collector and an enthusiastic sports fan, proudly supporting UNC Tar Heel football and basketball. She was also a dedicated member of the Rams Club.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, John David Schultz and Eddie Keefe; her son, Bruce Schultz; her grandson, Dylan Schultz; and her siblings, Thomas Johnson, Millie Darroch, and Alice Love Byrd.
Barbara is survived by her son, Carl Keefe of the home; nieces, Lounette Darroch Black, Denise Williford, Toni Byrd, and Mary Henderson; nephew, Ray Dew; stepsons, James Keefe (Caryn), Bazen Keefe (Kristyn), Gene Keefe, and Walker Keefe (Kaitlyn); stepdaughter, Julie Till (Bryan); sisters-in-law, Melody McLaurin (Gary) and Mendy Taylor (David); her longtime friend, Carolyn Weaver; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
The family will receive friends from 10–11:20 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Eureka Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of life service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place afterward at Lafayette Memorial Park.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301.
Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.
Barbara’s legacy of love, faith, music, and gentle strength will continue to bless all who knew her. May her memory be a comfort and a treasure.