Barbara T. Moten

“Education was important to us. In fact my father and mother, for years, refused to move into a nicer home and rode the bus until they had first saved enough for the college educations of my brother and me.” —Barbara Moten

Barbara Moten, inspired by her parents, loved learning and later valued using her talents and academic training in the classroom setting and beyond. She was born September 20, 1932, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George and Alberta Taylor. In 1936, her brother, Theodore, was born. Her parents and brother preceded her in death.

Barbara’s personal faith was her guide in life. Raised by parents who considered their faith the foundation of their lives, her family attended Spruce Avenue Baptist Church when she was a child and during that time she came to know Christ.

She was enthusiastic about school, particularly her high school years when she served as editor of the school newspaper and in other extracurricular activities. She graduated from Lincoln High School as valedictorian of the Class of ‘49. Later that year, she began her studies at Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana. In 1953, she graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and later completed an M.S. degree in Education along with certifications in instruction and administration.

In 1953, Barbara was hired as an elementary teacher for the Kansas City School District and served the district in various capacities for over 40 years. She favored teaching in the classroom, desiring to instill in her students that same love of learning she possessed. In addition, she was also a Title 1 Elementary Education Consultant, coordinator for Model Cities Reading Program and the district-wide reading program, consultant for Educational Developmental Labs-Huntington, NY, and conducted workshops for principals, teachers, parents and community leaders through the years. She held memberships in many professional organizations. She also received numerous honors for her professional and personal contributions from colleagues, bosses, parents and students, some of whom maintained communication with her into their adulthood.

In 1956, she married Leonard Z. Moten who worked as a Pullman Porter for the Santa Fe Railroad. They attended St. Stephens Baptist Church where Barbara enjoyed Sunday School, served in the Missions Ministry and in other areas for 69 years. Though she never had children of her own, she cherished her niece, nephews and their children, making an impact in their lives with her loving influence and unwavering support.

Impromptu music sessions with family and friends at her home where she would provide piano accompaniment was a delight for her. A student of history and widely read in other areas of interest, Barbara also enjoyed shopping and great food with loved ones and friends.

On August 2, 2020, Barbara passed from this life to her heavenly home.

Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice...

She leaves, to celebrate her life, a niece, Anita Adger (Rickey); nephews, Michael and David Taylor; great nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching... Titus 2:7

Visitation will be 9-10:30AM, with services to follow at 10:30AM, Saturday, August 15 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be 9AM, services 1030AM, Saturday, August 15 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery to follow.