Barbara (Bonnie) Young was born on April 4, 1938, in Emelle, Alabama, the 13th of 14 children.

On October 18, 2026, Barbara was called home. She is resting in heaven now, surely enjoying some heavenly fried chicken with her friends and family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her siblings, Solomon Henry (SH) Thomas, Jessie (JC) Richardson, Claiborne (Nunnie) Richardson, Clyde (Wit) Richardson, Clewis Richardson, Willis (Pete) Richardson, DL (Little Man) Richardson, Clara Lucky, and Betty Bell (Dot); her granddaughter, Nafatarie Sharmaine Griffin; and her stepbrothers, YC Richardson, Sonny Richardson, and Kuhn Richardson.

She carried those Alabama roots with her when she moved to Michigan at a young age to build a new life. Barbara attended nursing school and some college, that caring spirit remained throughout her life. She married Edward Griffin and welcomed their son, Charles (Tiekey) Griffin. She later married George Young, with whom she welcomed her youngest son, Marvin Young. Barbara worked at General Motors as a sanitation engineer from October 1968 until her retirement in March 1992. She then opened House of Unity, Group Home, providing meals, room and board for seniors for more than 10 years. Barbara also was a member of Easter seals and served at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, helping the nurses and volunteering at events.

Barbara’s heart belonged to her family, her door was always open.  She loved dinners, casino trips with friends, playing the lottery, and shopping until the lights went out. 

Left to cherish her memories are: Her sons: Charles (Tiekey) Griffin (Kimberly), Marvin Young (June) and Her grandchildren: Jamal Tyson and Sharniqua Tyson. Her sisters-in-law: Mattie Lee Richardson and Janie Richardson And a host of amazing friends, nieces, and nephews.