Mildred I. Barber

Mildred Irene Barber departed this life peacefully at home on December 1,2016. Her family surrounded Mildred in her last days. Mildred was born in Baltimore, Maryland at Johns Hopkins Hospital on October 22, 1924 to the late Walter H. and Ruth Carter Winston. She was the eldest of two children. She was preceded in death by her brother Walter Wright. Mildred was educated in the Baltimore Public School system. She later attended Cortez Peters Business School. She enlisted in the U.S. Army as a WAC (Women Army Corp). She was assigned to the administrative division. She was a woman dedicated and devoted to her faith. She converted to Catholicism when she met and married Francis Ford Barber, Jr. She was baptized Catholic on June 19,1954, at St. Peter Claver. She later joined Holy Family Catholic Church where she has attended for more than 40 years. Mildred was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Mildred early on in life has always displayed the classic “take charge” characteristic of the eldest child. Her strong will drove her to accomplish her goals. Mildred fashionable styles in dressing and decorating made us all take notice. She enjoyed being a world traveler. She was a very popular person among her colleagues and community. Mildred was a good neighbor. To Mildred, family was extremely important. She was a loving mother dedicated to raising her children making sure all their needs were met. She redefined the traditional meaning of family and drew her own family tree. She was Mommy to three daughters and three sons. Children: Lawrence (Larry) Barber (Beverly), Thomas (Tommy) Barber, Tonimaria (Toni) Richardson, Daryldenise (Daryl) Barber-Chambers, LaVonne (Von) Massey (Enos), and Billy West (Delores). She was a proud grandmother. Her love for and the joy her grandchildren brought to her life was immeasurable. The grands loved family gatherings where she always showed off her cooking skills. She was affectionately known as Nanny to them all. Grandchildren: Miles (Beanie) Bellamy, Jasen Richardson, Brian (Nikki) Richardson, Michele Pollard, Dante (Candance) Daniels, Bradford West, Lisa (Michael) Boykins, Dazzelle Smith, Antonio Lonesome, Antonio Barber, Damien Barber, Shantque Donohue, Shannon Smallwood, Shana Lamontagne, Robert Brown, Azur Brown, James Staton, Michelle Massey, Angel Massey, and Theresa Whitworth. Great grandchildren: She took pride in being a great granny. The apples of her eyes were the great grandchildren of which she has 47. She took so much pleasure in spending time with them. Sharing holidays and special occasions were always her favorite. Those that will cherish her memories are Ford Barber, Jr., her children, her grandchildren, her great grands, and all other living relatives. By all those who knew Mildred, her wisdom, advice, encouragement, and opinions she offered (wanted or not) will always be remembered and missed.

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Mildred I. Barber

October 22, 1924 - December 1, 2016