Barbara Avery is best known as James Avery’s wife, but her story extends far beyond her marriage to the beloved actor. As of 2026, she is about 81 years old, having built a distinguished career in higher education spanning several decades. Many people ask, “Was James Avery married?” The answer is yes—he shared 25 years of marriage with Barbara before his untimely death on December 31, 2013. Her estimated net worth is around $1 million to $2 million, evidently reflecting her successful professional journey. This article explores who was James Avery married to, Barbara’s accomplished career as an educator, their life together, and where she is today following her husband’s passing.
Who Is Barbara Avery
Barbara Avery’s early life and background
Barbara Avery remains an enigma when it comes to her early years. She grew up in the United States during a time when privacy was easier to maintain, and she appears to have valued that quality from the beginning. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, she never sought attention or public documentation of her personal history.
Her background reflects a conscious decision to live life on her own terms. No interviews, social media presence, or public career profiles tied to her name exist in accessible records. This absence of information is not accidental but rather a deliberate choice to remain outside the spotlight. Even her childhood details remain largely undocumented, though one consistent thread emerges from available sources: she cared deeply about learning and helping others from a young age.
Barbara Avery age and birth date
Barbara Avery was born on November 30, 1944. This places her in her early eighties as of 2026. The specifics of her birth location within the United States have not been publicly disclosed, consistent with her preference for privacy throughout her life.
Her age reveals she spent decades building a career in education before and during her marriage to James Avery. By the time she met her future husband, she had already established herself professionally, bringing her own accomplishments and identity to their relationship.
Her personality and values
Barbara Avery’s personality centers on a few defining characteristics. She is described as a private person who never chased fame or attention, even after marrying a well-known actor. This trait distinguished her from many others in similar situations. While James Avery gained recognition for his role as Uncle Phil, Barbara maintained her focus on education, family, and helping others.
Her core values revolve around education and service. She believed that education could change lives, a conviction that shaped her entire career path. This belief was not theoretical but practical, influencing her decision to work in roles where she could directly impact students. Her focus extended beyond academics to encompass student life, safety, and personal growth.
James Avery himself was known to value personal boundaries, often keeping his private life separate from his career. Barbara shared this approach, and together they created a life that balanced his public recognition with their private world. Her strength, thoughtfulness, and caring nature made her a respected leader in her field.
Barbara Avery’s Education and Career Journey
Where Barbara Avery studied
Barbara Avery pursued her higher education at the University of California, San Diego. Some sources also suggest she attended San Diego State University during her academic journey[41]. She completed her Ph.D. in education in the mid-1970s. Her studies focused on understanding how colleges could better support students beyond traditional classroom instruction. Rather than solely concentrating on teaching methods, she examined student development, campus life, and creating inclusive environments. This academic foundation shaped her decision to enter student affairs, a field that allowed her to impact students’ overall college experience.
Her career as an educator
Barbara Avery entered student affairs immediately after earning her Ph.D.. She quickly became recognized as a prominent leader and mentor in the field. Her career spanned several decades, during which she focused on student development programs, campus diversity initiatives, and creating supportive environments. Students who interacted with her described her as calm, wise, and approachable. She believed every student deserved guidance and respect, which made her a trusted advisor on campus.
Universities where Barbara Avery worked
Barbara Avery held positions at several respected institutions. She served as Dean of Students at Loyola Marymount University for approximately eleven years[62][63]. In 2002, she joined Holy Names University as Vice President for Student Affairs[63][41]. Three years later, she moved to Occidental College, where she became Vice President and Dean of Students in 2005[63][41]. She also worked at the University of Michigan-Flint as Vice Chancellor for Campus Inclusion and Student Life, where she earned USD 175,440.00 in 2016.
Her leadership roles and impact
At Occidental College, Barbara Avery developed initiatives including the Black Male Initiative and the First Generation Program. She worked on supporting women in leadership roles and the veteran population on campus. Beyond campus, she collaborated with an African American women’s group on leadership conferences. She assembled what she called “the most diverse leadership team at the college”. Following personal tragedies, including James Avery’s death in 2013 and her mother’s passing, she stepped down from her Dean of Students role to pursue other opportunities while remaining with the college.
Barbara Avery and James Avery’s Life Together
How Barbara met James Avery
The connection between Barbara and James Avery began before he achieved widespread fame. They met quietly, without media attention, during a time when both were establishing their respective careers. Their relationship started around 1987. Shared values formed the foundation of their bond. Both cared deeply about learning, creativity, and helping others. James Avery was not only an actor but also a writer and poet, interests that resonated with Barbara’s own intellectual pursuits. Their friendship developed naturally over time, eventually deepening into a romantic relationship.
Was James Avery married before Barbara
No documented evidence exists of James Avery being married before Barbara. Their marriage in 1988 marked his first publicly known marital commitment.
Their 25-year marriage
Barbara and James Avery married in 1988. Their partnership lasted 25 years before his death in 2013. Unlike many Hollywood relationships, their marriage remained stable and private. They avoided flashy lifestyles, instead focusing on building a peaceful home and supporting each other’s professional endeavors. One public appearance together occurred at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center event in Los Angeles on August 11, 2013. Observers noted their comfort and happiness when seen together.
Barbara Avery’s son Kevin Waters
Barbara had a son, Kevin Waters, from a previous relationship. When she married James Avery, Kevin became his stepson. James welcomed Kevin fully into the family, treating him as his own son rather than just a stepchild. The couple never had biological children together, but their family life remained complete and supportive.
Life behind the scenes
While James Avery lived in the public eye due to his acting career, Barbara remained focused on her work in education. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, trust, and support. They maintained a simple life in Los Angeles, eschewing drama and attention. Barbara provided emotional grounding while James respected her professional accomplishments.
James Avery’s Death and Barbara’s Life Today
James Avery wife death experience in 2013
Late 2013 brought devastating circumstances. James Avery underwent open-heart surgery at Glendale Memorial Medical Center in California. Doctors initially expressed hope for recovery, but complications arose. On December 31, 2013, he died at age 68. The news shocked fans worldwide who had cherished his portrayal of Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The heartbreaking moment Barbara missed
Barbara stayed at the hospital throughout James Avery’s treatment, supporting him during his final days. However, something profoundly tragic occurred. She stepped out of the room briefly, and when she returned, he had already passed away[152]. This moment left a lasting emotional impact, as she never got to say her final goodbye.
How Barbara honored his memory
James Avery’s body was cremated following his death[152]. His ashes were scattered into the ocean off the Los Angeles coast[152][122]. Some ashes were reserved for a ceremony in Atlantic City, his hometown[122]. Barbara organized a quiet celebration of life where friends and co-stars, including Alfonso Ribeiro, shared memories.
Where is Barbara Avery now in 2026
Barbara lives a private life in Los Angeles as of 2026. She avoids social media and public attention, preferring peace over visibility[152]. She has not remarried and maintains a calm, private lifestyle.
Barbara Avery’s net worth
Her estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $2 million[152]. This wealth stems from her decades-long career in university leadership positions rather than entertainment industry connections.
Conclusion
Barbara Avery’s story reveals a woman who built her own legacy independent of Hollywood fame. Her decades-long career in higher education, distinguished leadership roles, and commitment to student success define her identity above all else. Despite the heartbreak of losing James Avery in 2013, she continues to maintain the values that guided their 25-year marriage: privacy, dignity, and quiet strength. Her life demonstrates that true accomplishment needs no spotlight.
FAQs
Q1. What was Barbara Avery’s professional background?
Barbara Avery built a distinguished career in higher education, serving in various leadership positions at universities including Loyola Marymount University, Holy Names University, and Occidental College. She held roles such as Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs, focusing on student development, campus diversity, and creating inclusive environments throughout her decades-long career.
Q2. What health issues led to James Avery’s death?
James Avery suffered from severe coronary heart disease, end-stage kidney disease, and type-2 diabetes. He underwent open-heart surgery at Glendale Memorial Medical Center in California in late 2013, but complications arose. He passed away on December 31, 2013, at age 68, with his official cause of death listed as cardio respiratory arrest.
Q3. Did James Avery have any children?
James Avery had no biological children of his own. However, when he married Barbara in 1988, he became a stepfather to her son, Kevin Waters, from a previous relationship. James welcomed Kevin fully into the family and treated him as his own son throughout their 25-year marriage.
Q4. How long were Barbara and James Avery married?
Barbara and James Avery were married for 25 years, from 1988 until his death in 2013. Their marriage was characterized by mutual respect, privacy, and stability, with both supporting each other’s professional endeavors while maintaining a quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Q5. What is Barbara Avery doing now?
As of 2026, Barbara Avery lives a private life in Los Angeles. She has not remarried and continues to avoid social media and public attention, preferring to maintain the same values of privacy and dignity that characterized her life with James. Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million from her successful career in education.