Barbara Harper Young

Barbara Harper Young, 89, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully after a short courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Her Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 14, 2026, at Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in Gilchrist Hall after the service. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

Barbara was the youngest of four born December 14, 1936 in Chillicothe, Ohio, to the late Forest Day and Enid Caster Harper. She was a proud graduate of Ohio's Chillicothe High School class of 1955, where she was a member and baton twirler on the drum majorettes' team. Following high school, she attended Ohio State University and met the love of her life, the late Donald Jerry Young. An entrepreneur retailer, who preceded her in death in 2002, after 42 years of marriage. Barbara and Jerry moved from Ohio to Charleston in the early 1970's.

Barbara's legacy is a master of many. Barbara was a lover of all animals, especially horses. She showed horses, rode in the Middleton hunts, taught riding and was owner and operator of Pine Land Stables. Barbara was a fifth-grade teacher at Nativity School. She was an avid dancer as chairman of the "Step in Time" club, a musical review benefiting the American Cancer Society. She was a participant host for the Miss USA contestants and a Pageant Official. She and Bob Barker were buds. Together, Barbara and Jerry owned and operated Side Street Antiques and Emporium in South Windermere and made legendary fudge that is still talked about today. Barbara was an accomplished instrument player; she mastered the Piano, Banjo, Flute, Ukulele, Harmonica, and Bongo Drums. It was a regular free concert at the Young's house! Later in her career, Barbara and Jerry moved to Marco Island, FL, where Barbara began her 25-year career with Publix. Moving back to Charleston, Barbara remained with Publix until she retired at the age of 85. While at Publix, Barbara was known as Mrs. B. She left a legacy that still lives on with her Publix Teammates today. She loved her coworkers and on occasion she was asked for her autograph. Her motto was "live between the dash and have a free and happy life".

More than anything , Barbara loved her children and three grandchildren and was extremely proud of them. She will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Jody Young (fiancé, JC Smith) of Charleston, SC, Amy Drolet (Jamie) of Charleston, SC; two grandchildren, Henderson Young Drolet, Helen James Drolet; sister, Lois Bowers; and many nieces and nephews, all who loved her very much. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her grandchild, Harper Elizabeth Drolet; sister, Helen Phillips; and brother, Orris Harper.

The family wishes to thank Roper Hospice, Barbara's many doctors, nurses, and staff at AGAPE Lowcountry Community Hospice House for their amazing support, compassion, and care of Mom through the years and especially these past few months.

The family will be forever grateful for all the nursing staff at AGAPE Hospice, especially Angel nurse Sarah, who held her hand and was by her side when she took her final breath. Very thankful for Chaplin Debra and Joyce, her social worker, for all the love and prayers each and every day. Much love and many hugs to all!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hugs for Harper Endowment, via The Charleston Coastal Community Foundation.

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