Passes In Chesapeake: Barbara Alexander, 72, Educator, Author, Storyteller

Educator, author, and internationally-recognized African heritage folklorist and storyteller, Barbara Elaine Johnson Alexander, passed on Friday, September 1, 2017 at the age of 72.

Alexander’s career in education spanned 50 years and included work at such distinguished institutions as Teachers College Columbia University, New York City Community College, Brooklyn Center-State University of New York (SUNY), Barber-Scotia College (N.C.), College of the Albemarle (N.C.), and Tidewater Community College,.

She also was the author of two children’s books: My Kwanzaa Workbook and Papa’s Penny Party.

On July 2, 2017, she celebrated her 51st wedding anniversary with life-long partner Rev. Dr. E. Curtis Alexander.

A native of Norfolk, she attended Norfolk public schools and graduated from the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College and Teachers College Columbia University with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Business Education respectively.

Alexander was a dedicated life-long member of New Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, where she served as church administrator, founding principal of the Ruth Nelson Cook Academy, and Teacher Trainer at the New Calvary Kiddie College, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Milton A. Reid.

She is survived by her children Edward Curtis Kwame Alexander II (Stephanie), Sia Alexander Brume, Nataki F. Alexander-Hewling (Bally), and Ade Kwaku A. T. Alexander III.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 8, 2017, 12 noon, at the New Calvary Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA, Rev. Dr. William Marcus Small officiating.