Barbara Plyler Faulk

Ms. Barbara Plyler Faulk, 75, of Monroe, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born in Union County on March 11, 1949 to the late Senator Aaron W. Plyler and Dorothy M. Plyler. She graduated from Monroe High School, Wingate College, and Catawba College.

Barbara is survived by her three children: BJ Faulk McCoy (Jim), Wes Faulk (Angie), and John Faulk (Tracy); seven grandchildren: Jay McCoy, Claire McCoy, Merritt McCoy, Grady Faulk, Grant Faulk, Jack Faulk, and Shepherd Faulk; sister Diane Plyler Hough; brothers, Aaron Plyler, Jr. (Donna) and Alton Plyler (Vickie); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Aaron W. Plyler and Dorothy M. Plyler, and her brother, Al Plyler.

Barbara devoted her career to the Union County Community Arts Council, starting with the organization in 1987 and serving as its Executive Director from 1993 until her retirement in June 2022. Under Barbara’s leadership, the Arts Council provided numerous arts opportunities for Union County residents through arts in schools, community services and programs, and support of arts groups and artists throughout the county. Barbara was instrumental in founding many programs that created the foundation of arts education for all residents, helped meet the culturally diverse needs of the community, shined the spotlight upon gifted artists and performers, and enriched the lives of countless people close to home and well beyond.

Among her many professional contributions, Barbara was instrumental in reorganizing the Union Symphony and Union County Playmakers, partnering with area nonprofit agencies, managing the Blooming Arts Festival for 22 years, presenting the Preschool Experience for area daycare children, identifying area artists for awards and recognition, programs for special needs children, adults, and senior citizens, and partnering with the Dowd Center Theatre’s opening and programming.

Barbara served in various capacities with the Monroe Rotary Club over the years, including President. She was a generous philanthropist and leader and was involved with many community and non-profit causes. Barbara loved her community, and she put tremendous value on helping to make it better for people.

Barbara cultivated beautiful outdoor and indoor plants and flowers, including prized azaleas and daffodils, as well as her annual Mother’s Day ferns. She cooked and appreciated delicious food. She enjoyed restoring old pieces of furniture and heirlooms. She liked her beach music and oldies, especially on Sunday afternoons wafting from the den speakers at her home. She had her characteristic style, poise, grace, and charisma. She thought and cared deeply about people and wanted to see them happy. She cherished time with her good friends. She was so fun to sit and visit with.

Barbara centered her life around her children and her grandchildren. She loved them all so fully, thoughtfully, and selflessly. She guided them wisely, mostly through her living example of being genuine, honest, and kind to people. She spent most hours of every single day thinking about her family, wanting only happiness for each of them, and seeing the joys of life through their eyes. She was so proud of her family, always dependably present for them, and she made the time she spent with them so unique and memorable throughout their lives.

Barbara loved her parents, Diane, Aaron Jr., Al, Alton, other family members, and her many wonderful friends with that same genuineness and loyalty. She was so loved. And she will be so fondly remembered and deeply missed.

The family is so incredibly grateful to her special caregivers, Tammie Moses and Daphney Blount, who loved Barbara so gently and kindly. The family also expresses its kind appreciation to Dr. Luke Farmer and staff, as well as the caregivers with Hospice and Union Atrium McWhorter House (Missy, Heather, Heather, Tonya, and others).

Barbara and family appreciate Alan, William, and Brad Plyler for their work to make her home more comfortable and accommodating during her time of illness. Barbara lit up when her brothers came to see her and brought her delicious food and their kind love. She appreciated the love shown to her by so many. And no one was more loyal and unwavering in their love and care of Barbara than her sister and best friend, Diane.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Benton Heights Presbyterian Church, 2701 Concord Hwy, Monroe, NC 28110, with visitation to follow in the church. A private family burial will be held in Lakeland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union County Community Arts Council, 327 S. Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112; www.unionarts.org , and/or to Benton Heights Presbyterian Church, 2701 Concord Hwy., Monroe, NC 28110; www.bhpres.org .

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the family.