Hayes School of Music

Barbara Adele Justice (July 30, 1923-December 15, 1988), retired music professor, was born in Lawndale, North Carolina, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T.W. Justice. She graduated from Belwood High School, Belwood, North Carolina, in 1940. She then attended Boiling Springs Junior College (now Gardner-Webb College) and received the A.A. degree in music in 1942. She then transferred to Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) and began work on her B.S. degree in music education. Meanwhile, she taught in the Bladen County Schools (Dublin Elementary School and Bladenboro High School).

After receiving her B.S. in 1948, Justice worked in the Cleveland County schools as an elementary and music teacher until 1958. She then returned to Appalachian to work on her M.A. degree. Meanwhile, she worked for four years in the in the Shelby City School s as general music supervisor and elementary school teacher. Having obtained the M.A. in 1963 she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and worked as music specialist and supervisor for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system for two years. In 1965-66, she worked as an instructor for the summer session at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Justice began her career at Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian state University) in 1965 as an assistant professor in the music department. She was active on a number of committees such as the Library and Instructional Services Committee, the Readmissions Committee, the Southern Association for Accreditation of Schools, the Departmental Personnel Committee, and the Committee to study Science Requirements for music majors. She was also active in the North Carolina Music Educators Association (secretary and board member), Sigma Alpha Iota, Alpha Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda. She conducted in-service workshops and attended workshops on the local and state levels as well as attending the Campbell Folk School, Western Carolina University, the University of Delaware and Peabody Conservatory.

Her awards include that of Outstanding Contributions to Cultural Development of Cleveland County Youth (Citizen's Alumnus Citation) and of Outstanding Contributions to Prepartion of Teachers of Early Childhood. She was included in the 1978 Who's Who-Women Educators in the World.

Adele Justice retired from her teaching career in June, 1981, after 38 years of teaching in North Carolina, 16 of which were at Appalachian. She was granted emeriti status upon her retirement.

In retirement, Ms. Justice was very active on the staff at Fallston Baptist Church in Fallston, North Carolina, where she was church organist. She once reported, eloquently, that, "The force in my life is beautiful music. I enjoy practicing and listening to the fine literature of music more than ever." This remained true until her death.

Sources: Appalachian State University files and personal correspondence.

-Dr. Richard D. Howe and Dr. Roy S. Jones