Barbara Joyce Gifford

Barbara Lord-Gifford, age 96, of East Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home.

Barbara was born on March 27, 1930, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Vivian and Elvin Stork. She attended Utley High School and later graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint. Barbara dedicated 30 years of her life to teaching third grade in Swartz Creek. Her fellow teachers admired her and, most of all, the many students whose lives she touched cherished her.

Barbara was a woman of remarkable kindness, generosity, and acceptance. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome, fostering genuine connections with people from all walks of life. She had a lifelong curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, always eager to learn something new and share these inspirations with everyone around her. Barbara embraced life with enthusiasm, indulging in passions such as ice skating, playing the piano, gardening, and cooking. She also enjoyed sewing, downhill skiing, reading, attending theater performances, and exploring new places, all while enjoying the thrill of driving convertibles. Above all, she loved her family and the people around her unconditionally.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Candace (Lord) Brannon, Linda (Lord) Carter, and Julie (Lord) Soliz; stepchildren, Patty (Gifford) Reppenhagen, Cheryl Gifford, and Larry Gifford; grandchildren, Andrea (Czerwinski) Liem (Charlie), Laurie (Thayer) Welch (Chad), Keri (Czerwinski) Sands (Drew), Sarah Thayer, Amber Cook (Chris), Reshae (Cook) Loar (Dalton), Leah Soliz, and Gabe Soliz (Ashley); 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Wanda) Stork, Vivian (Lovell) Gunsell, David (Bonnie) Stork, and Diana (Ron) Seaman; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving and adoring husband, Larry Gifford; her eldest daughter, Sherry (Lord) Czerwinski; great-granddaughter, Avery Pifer; and siblings, Rosemary (Stork) Smiley and Richard Stork.

In accordance with Barbara's wishes, the family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. The family invites everyone to remember her for her generous heart, her open and accepting nature, her love of learning, and the many lives she touched throughout her 96 years. To know Barbara was to love her, and all who had the privilege of knowing her will hold her memory close.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.SharpFuneralHomes.com