Barbara Grayson is the Branch Manager for the Rockdale Federal Credit Union, Thorndale Branch.
A 1976 Rockdale High School graduate, Barbara was in the third or fourth grade when she made the transition from the segregated Aycock school to Rockdale Elementary. While she remembers adjusting well to school, she still remembers that the community had Colored Only bathrooms in public places.
The oldest of nine children and the only living girl, Barbara excelled in her own right in school and extracurricular activities. Her parents, Charles C. and Annie Bell Wesley, raised their large family to be respectful of their elders and to treat people the way you would want to be treated. Barbara says that these values carried her throughout life and contributed to the many successes she’s had.
At RHS, Barbara excelled in basketball. She loved being involved in sports and played on the community softball league with her parents and many others. Her wide smile and pleasant demeanor are traits that all of the Wesleys exhibit. Their parents made sure that their large family had everything they needed, especially love for each other.
While she was the oldest, Barbara said her brothers always made sure she was taken care of. Although they didn’t have a lot, they opened their doors to many people.
In Rockdale, Barbara achieved a number of “firsts” to contribute to Rockdale’s history of African Americans. She was the first black to be crowned Junior Princess and Homecoming Queen, serve on the school board and work at the credit union.
After high school, Barbara worked at State Farm Insurance in Austin for 15 years, making the drive in a carpool of other Rockdalians. This was her first real job. Barbara worked in the monthly pay department to process payments. Here, she dealt with many different agents throughout the state.
At home, Barbara was active in the community much like her parents before her. She was the first black on the Rockdale School Board, serving three elected terms. After her years with State Farm, Barbara was hired by Rockdale Federal Credit Union in 1991. Barbara laughs as she remarks that she didn’t apply for the job and wasn’t looking for one when a friend called her to come to the credit union.
She had an informal interview, and the rest is history. Barbara was the first and only black to work in the credit union for many years. She started as a teller, worked as a loan officer for 28 years, and ultimately became a Branch Manager.
When asked what she believes has made her successful, Barbara states that she and her family always loved people. Their family name was recognized in the community, in sports, as civil servants and they all got along with everyone.
Barbara has been married to Fred Grayson for 46 years. They have two sons, Michael and Marcus. They are also the proud grandparents of two granddaughters— Riley, 6, and Reese, 4. Barbara laughs that they finally got some girls, besides herself.
When asked about the message she would provide to others, Barbara says, “Don’t give up. Always believe in yourself. Set goals and work hard towards achieving them.” Finally, she says, “put God first always.”
Barbara serves on several boards and is a member of the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Rockdale.
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