Prior to the marriage, Barbara had a son, Vaughn (1934–2002) from a previous relationship, whom Rev.
Barbara was a gifted pianist and, according to Mahalia Jackson, one of the finest gospel singers in the country.
[2] Though her primary role was that of wife and mother, she actively participated in the musical affairs of the churches where C. L. served as pastor.
Following marital trouble stemming from C. L.'s numerous and ongoing infidelities, including fathering a daughter (named Carol Ellan Kelley [née Jennings]) by Mildred Jennings, a 12-year-old congregant in Memphis in 1940,[2]: 61 she left Franklin in 1948 and moved to Buffalo, New York, where her mother resided and where Franklin had served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church from May 1944 to June 1946.
According to Salvatore, she visited Detroit to see her children, and they traveled to Buffalo during summer vacations for stays with her.