Barbara C. Kemp-Cephas

BARBARA CLARA KEMP was born September 26, 1935 in Laurel, Mississippi. She was the daughter of the late Richard Kemp and Magnolia Reed-Rogers. After a brief illness her Savior called her home. She peacefully closed her eyes on Monday, October 2, 2017 and obeyed God's will. At the age of 4, Barbara moved with her grandparents to Erie, Pennsylvania. She was educated in the Erie County School System. Upon her graduation from high school she moved to Baltimore, Maryland to attend Provident Hospital School of Nursing. In 1960 Barbara Clara Kemp was united in Holy matrimony to the late Charles Walter Cephas Jr. Through this union they were blessed with three children, two daughters and one son. Barbara, affectionately known as "BK"; enjoyed a successful career in nursing for over forty years. She held many positions in the field of nursing. One of her many accomplishments were the position she held as Director of Nurses. This position was held at various nursing facilities within the Baltimore City Area. She was the first African American woman to hold a Director of Nursing position at James Lawrence Kernan Hospital. She later joined the Office of Health Care Quality which was formally known as Licensing and Certification Programs. She also held a position for the State of Maryland in the Division of Corrections in Jessup, Maryland. In her later years after retiring she provided her nursing skills and worked with the Baltimore County Ombudsman Program. BK followed many religious doctrines during the course of her life. Her love for her "GOD" never wavered. She was faithful member of New David Baptist Church of Christ which is pastored by Rev. Dr. Earl Nathan Woodard I. Under his guidance, she held several positions within the church. She served as President of the Pastor's Aid and was an active member of the Deacon board. She was also an Associate Minister. BK enjoyed several hobbies: reading, cooking and traveling to name a few. However, she was especially passionate about baking. It was not uncommon of her friends and co-workers to request a cake for any occasion and she was always willing to fulfill their requests. She was known as the "Cake Lady" at NDBCC. Barbara Clara Kemp-Cephas leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, three children, Charles III, Barbette and Greta. She also leaves her beloved grandson-Jared, one uncle-Andrew Lyons of Erie, Pennsylvania, close friend Bertilla Davis, and host of loving family and friends.

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Barbara C. Kemp-Cephas

September 26, 1935 - October 2, 2017