Barbara Greenwell was born on June 24, 1947, in Dearborn, Michigan, into a loving family as the second of four children. She grew up alongside her older brother Joe, younger sister Debbie, and younger brother Keith.

Barbara’s love for the arts began early in life. A gifted and accomplished ballet dancer, she was once invited to audition for a recital with Mikhail Baryshnikov—though ultimately deemed too young to participate, it was a testament to her talent.

At just 14 years old, Barbara met the love of her life, Paul Greenwell, who was 15 at the time. They married in April of 1966 and shared an extraordinary 59 years together. Soon after marrying, they welcomed two children, the joys of Barbara’s life, Kevin and Kelly. In 1972, the family made the move from Michigan to Phoenix, Arizona—a place Barbara quickly came to love and call home.

Barbara led a vibrant life. Over the years, she taught art classes—macramé and weaving—as well as yoga. She enjoyed tennis, found joy in working, and had an enduring passion for fashion and design. For the past 40 years, she poured her heart and soul into interior design, decorating some of Scottsdale’s most beautiful homes and running her own store, where she brought her vision and creativity to life. Her work in interior design wasn’t just a career—it was a calling. She was deeply respected and beloved by her clients, many of whom became lifelong friends. 

Above all, Barbara loved her family—and her beloved dogs Angel, Bailey, and Lily. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother, a cherished “Gigi” (Grandma Greenwell), and a great-grandmother known lovingly as “Great Gigi”.

Barbara will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her kind and caring heart, her contagious smile, and her love of shopping. She was the most positive, accepting person—always believing in the good in others. Her legacy is one of beauty, creativity, love—and a reminder to hold family close as the heart of everything that matters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hessie Lewis. She is survived by her loving husband, Paul; her children, Kevin and Kelly (son-in-law, Bob); her grandchildren, Brittney (Cliff), Joshua (Shea), Blake (Mackenzie), Carly, and Jake (Grace); and her great-grandchildren, Tatum, Ryker, Freya, Bennett, and Jo-Jo, and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, July 12th, at 10:00 AM at the Prayer Pavilion of Dream City Church. 13613 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022.

In lieu of flowers, and as a reflection of Barbara’s generous spirit, her family asks those who loved her to consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in her honor.