Obituary of Barbara Needham

Barbara was born in Tazewell, Tennessee on March 31, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Herbert and Georgia (Evans) Waller. In 1954, the family moved to Michigan where she attended Monroe High School graduating in 1957. Barbara married the love of her life James Needham on July 31, 1958. Barbara began a forty-two year career for the Monroe County Intermediate School District as a co-op student working as a switchboard operator. She worked hard rising in the ranks retiring in 1999 as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance. Barbara was well-known for her dedication, loyalty and expertise while serving the district. She helped to facilitate the organizations growth from four employees to more than three hundred, and was instrumental in the development of cooperative purchasing agreements between local districts. She played a key role in increasing sophisticated business practices throughout the education system in Monroe County, encouraging districts to use the latest technology. Barbara used her ability to analyze legislation to assist local districts. She became a resource for business managers across the state due to her first-hand knowledge of budgets and the needs of school districts. Her Christian faith was important to her and regular church attendance. Recently, she transferred her membership to Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church where she was Treasurer of the church widows group, and very active in the food ministry/pantry enjoying service to others. She loved spending time with her daughter and sister, and she was always willing to babysit the granddogs. Barbara Jean Needham age 74 of Monroe passed away peacefully at 9:18pm, Thursday, May 22, 2014 at her home after a courageous nine month battle cancer. Her loving family was at her side. In addition to her parents and her husband on April 19, 1990 her passing was preceded by an infant brother: James Waller. To cherish her memory she leaves a daughter: Donna Powers of Delta; one sister: JoAnn Standifer-Parker of Monroe; one brother: Woodrow "Woody" Waller of Monroe; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 3:00-7:00pm, Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe (formerly Bennett Funeral Services); 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Wednesday, May 28 also at Merkle's with Pastor B.J. McDaniel and Reverend Mike Cunningham co-officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn.