Erica J. Barham

ERICA JANELLE BARHAM departed this life quietly on July 19, 2026, at Union Memorial Hospital. She is now at rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Erica was the youngest of two children born to Doris and Walter Barham. She began her earthly life on October 26, 1977, in Baltimore, Maryland. Even though Erica was born with limited physical and mental abilities, she showed her love to people through her smile, her eyes, and a kiss. She never met a stranger she didn’t like. She did not have to see you every day to remember you. At the age of 12 months, Erica was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She became a student at Kennedy Krieger School at the age of 2. She then attended the Lois T. Murray School until the age of 14. She later attended the William S. Baer School until she was 21. After aging out of the William S. Baer School, Erica was accepted into the Gallagher Center Day Program in Timonium, Maryland, where she attended until her health prevented her from continuing. Being a social butterfly, like her grandmother Mama Cat, Erica enjoyed life. She loved all her instructors and fellow classmates. Everyone received many kisses and hugs from her every day. Erica enjoyed traveling, especially to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She also had the opportunity to fly, with California being her first flight. Of course, she had to visit Disneyland. Later, her parents took her and her brother on a cross-country trip, traveling through and visiting many, many states and entering Mexico along the way. She also toured the New England states and visited Canada. The Barham and Richardson families were appreciated so very much for always embracing Erica and treating her with respect, never seeing any disabilities. Erica united with Zion Baptist Church and was baptized on June 11, 1989. She attended worship services on a regular basis until her health worsened over the years. She was an honorary member of many ministries, including Sunday School, Music, Women of Faith, and the Walter J. Barham Deaf Ministry. Erica could not express herself with her mouth, but she praised the Lord with raised hands and her eyes. She loved listening to her pastor preach the Word. She was preceded in death by her brother, Walter Jr.; grandmothers, Jacqueline Barham and Catherine Richardson; grandfathers, Lilmond Barham and Oscar Richardson; aunt, Karron Richardson; and uncles, Johnnie King, Leon Richardson, and Clarence Barham. Along with her parents, she leaves to cherish her memory: her godparents, Russell Sr. and Dr. Leah White; three godsisters, three godbrothers, ten aunts, six uncles, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends

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Erica J. Barham

October 26, 1977 - July 19, 2026