Barbara Ann Faw

BARBARA ANN LINDSEY FAW departed this life on August 11, 2025, in Columbia, Maryland. Barbara was born on July 27, 1936, to Bernard C. Lindsey and Edna Wilkes Lindsey in Cullen, Virginia. When Barbara was a very young girl, she remembered going into a bank with her parents and being impressed with the employees dressed nicely behind the counter. Years later, she told a Baltimore Afro-American reporter, “I told my parents, one day, I’m going to be dressed up like that, and their response was, well, you have to continue in school and get an education.” Barbara would devote her life to making education important. She moved to Baltimore in 1955 and completed her undergraduate degree in business administration from Morgan State University, earned a master’s degree in economics from Howard University, and did post-graduate work at American University. In 1968, Barbara married Joseph A. Faw, a Baltimore native and educator. Joe was Barbara’s right hand and faithful confidant. You seldom saw Barbara without Joe. They were constant companions. Barbara was a pioneer in higher education in Baltimore. For nearly three decades, she was a significant force at Community College of Baltimore (CCB), renamed Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) in 1992. She was the first Black American hired at the college and the first Black instructor in the college’s Business Department. In 1966, Dr. Harry Bard, CCB’s first president, named Barbara as his administrative assistant. Barbara was such a force and had developed a great presence with students that in 1974, she was named Dean of Student Activities. Baltimore Afro American columnist Betty Moss, once wrote that Barbara “had a knack in handling students, able to communicate without loud discourse and at the same time, she remained a lady.” Barbara served under five other college presidents. She became Dean of the College, one of the top positions at CCB. In that role, she was the chief affirmative action officer, negotiating city contracts for the college’s professional staff. Barbara also held the title of Chancellor at CCB (the only person to hold the title) and Vice President of Administration, senior leadership positions at the college. Barbara’s final position at BCCC was Director of Community Relations. In this role, Barbara went out into the community, spreading the philosophy of the college and drumming up support from the philanthropic and business communities. It was in this role that Barbara became the visionary and director of “Science Is For Everyone,” a BCCC program that annually introduced hundreds of Baltimore City Public Schools students to science through unique partnerships with dozens of city churches. In October 1993, Barbara was honored by the Maryland Association for Higher Education for being a “distinguished program developer for community service.” When Barbara retired in 1999, she told the Baltimore Afro-American that she wanted to work at BCCC because she “always wanted to impart knowledge to others.” Barbara was elected to Who’s Who Among Outstanding Educators of America, Who’s Who Among Black Americans, and served as a member of the American Association of University Professors and the American Economic Association. She was also an active civic and community leader. She served on the board of trustees of many non-profit boards, including the National Aquarium, the Mayor’s Task Force on Books and Supplies, West Arlington Community Association, and the Sales and Marketing Executives of Baltimore, to name a few. In 2000, the Maryland State General Assembly honored Barbara, describing her as “a mentor and role model to thousands of students.” Barbara was a member of St. Bernardine’s Catholic Church, where she served on numerous boards and committees, was active in the education ministry, and held a leadership role within the church. Barbara never met a stranger. Known for her warm and outgoing personality, she was a very generous friend who touched the lives of countless people through her work at the college, church, and community. Among many enjoyments, she was a fervent fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. She also loved gardening and, most of all, spending time and making good memories with family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Joe; seven sisters and six brothers. She is survived by a special nephew, Howard B. Burton; three sisters, Pattie Ruth Sheen of Los Angeles, California, Thelma Lindsey Dickerson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Eleanor Lindsey Burton of Norfolk, Virginia; as well as many other nephews, nieces, and

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Barbara Ann Faw

July 27, 1936 - August 11, 2025