Barbara Jean Unger, affectionately known as "BJ", quietly made her transition on September 27, 2022. She was in hospice at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan following many years of multiple health challenges. The oversight provided by Oakland County Probate Court and the support by Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC were instrumental in assuring her proper care throughout this period.

Barbara was born on March 17, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Irene (Harper) Unger, both of whom preceded her in death. Despite her struggle from birth with cerebral palsy which limited what she could physically do for herself, she was a Christian who was vibrant and full of life. Her mother being a school principal and educator, enrolled her in Chicago's Spalding School for Children with Disabilities where she was educated.  In 1965, the family moved to Detroit when their mother became terminally ill.  Within a few months prior to her mother's death, she was placed in a state institution, Plymouth Center for Human Development (PCHD). She remained there and in similar facilities for 20 years where her care was largely ignored, and her physical abilities deteriorated.

The Plymouth Consent Decree of 1979 was created as a result of a suit brought by the Michigan Association for Retarded Citizens against the State of Michigan. This led to thousands of people with developmental disabilities being allowed to leave institutions and live in community settings.  In 1988, Barbara, with her sister Ola by her side, was able to secure placement in an assisted-living home.  In 1989, she and her BFF and sister friend, Bessie Carter achieved a celebrity status when they were featured in a Detroit Free Press article.  She and Bessie remained inseparable as roommates, with their own "style of talking" and grooving to Motown sounds until Bessie's death in 2003.  BJ blessed those who knew her by her presence and they admired her enthusiasm to live life. Her radiant smile captivated the hearts of many of her caregivers, some who became life-long friends: Adrienne Bynum, Beverly Ellis, Ann and Janice Quick, Vonda Singleton, and Kim Hampton.

Barbara's dream which she and Ola shared as children, would be that she would return to a "normal" life with her "own" family.  For ten years, BJ's sister, Ola and her brother-in-law, Jerry Gobeski make that dream a reality. Retiring early, Jerry assisted Ola in providing for Barbara's care.  They diligently advocated and dedicated their lives to assure BJ that she was home.  Eagerly as she waited for the day's adventure, her smile and "How're you?" greeted you every morning. She was ready to participate in any activity regardless of weather.  She enjoyed swimming, sitting outside on the patio, going for "walks" in the neighborhood, and even ice-skating on a frozen pond in her wheelchair. She was an observant man-watcher who love to shop at the mall.  All she needed was for someone to push her wheelchair.  She attended New Gateway Activity Center where she was an active participant who loved to make friends and learn new things.  Best of all, she loved the many road trips she, Ola and Jerry took to Chicago, IL, Bay City and Frankenmuth, MI, and Cleveland, OH.  Her happiness was shown at best, when she flew to Chicago and Disney World.

Barbara's favorite place at home was the kitchen where she could immediately greet friends as they entered the house. With a big smile, she eagerly waited to hear the "latest news" of the day.  Her laughter always filled the room. She was first in line to taste whatever dish was brought in.  But, she especially loved the "slap your mama" home cooked soul food meals blended for her by her favorite nephew, Emmanuel.  She made it clear she was not a vegetarian and she would decide what foods she wanted to eat.  Southern food, spaghetti, okra, strawberry ice cream, chocolates, cheese cakes and cheese puffs were among her favorites.  She was a fashionista, a "church-styled" dressing up kinda Sista who matched her jewelry to each outfit.  After every hospitalization, she and Jerry would shop to pick out her latest accessories. Every Saturday, she did not hesitate to remind Ola it was time to wash and groom her hair.

Other activities Barbara enjoyed were going to church, singing, taking computer lessons where she learned how to use her "eye controlled" personal computer, talking on the phone, video chats, chastising her sisters and Jerry, listening to all kinds of music from the soft melodies of classical music to the upbeat sounds of Motown and especially Luther Vandross.  Her dance style was to kick up her right leg and move her right arm. Her favorite tv programs included boxing, horror, romance and sci-fi movies.  Her laughter was heard throughout the house as she watched "Martin," and "Madea". Her favorite times of the year included Halloween and Christmas, but nothing compared to her "St. Patrick's Day" birthday parties.

Barbara's greatest joys were "Home Sweet Home" surrounded by her family. She loved when she was treated with dignity and respect. She treasured the special love and genuine care she received from her caregivers.  She loved the hugs and kisses from everyone especially her nephew Emmanuel, who would pick her up and carry her on his shoulders. Barbara lived a full long life due to the care Jerry and Ola insured she had.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents Joe and Clemmie Harper of Atlanta, GA; Ethel (Jackson) Thurman and Goldstein Unger of Goodman, MS; sister Fannie Mae (Unger) Stanford; brothers, Alvin Unger and Johnny Hunter; niece, Tammi M. Porter and nephews, Gerald Porter and Benjamin Jermaine Cockroft.

Left to cherish Barbara's memories are sisters, Jonetta (Benjamin) Cockroft of Oak Park, MI; Pearlie (Wally) Caliph-Gibson of Chicago, IL; caregivers and sister, Ola-Tokumbo Unger (Jerry) Gobeski; nephew, Edward Caliph Jr., of Seattle, WA; caregiver and nephew, Emmanuel Caliph; cousins, Melvin (Gladys) Pruitt of Albuquerque, NM; Gary Little of Atlanta, GA; niece Demeatrice (Luke) Phillips of Fort Worth, TX; grand-nieces, Breyonna Cockroft, EnGeree Porter, Takira Romero; grand-nephews, Jamall and Mondrell Phillips; and Terran Smith, a host of other family and friends.