Wilbert J. Barr

Wilbert Jefferson Barr, affectionately known as “Jeff,” was born on April 1, 1941, to the late Deacon Leroy Clayton Barr and Lurean Oressa Barr in Florence County, South Carolina where he also attended public schools. In November 1958, Jeff migrated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to work in the tobacco factories. There he met the love of his life, Ruby Lois Coleman, and they were married at a minister’s home on January 10,1962. They remained married for 62 years until his death. From that union, they were blessed with four children – Lewis, Isaac, Jefferson, and Darlene. On February 2, 1964, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he worked for Danko Aluminum Company, American Smelting and Refinery, and finally for W. R. Grace Company from which he retired on February 2, 2007. Jeff had a work ethic to be admired! He took great pride in being present and punctual. He also took his work seriously and put forth his best effort. If you happened to come to his house at an odd time during the day, he would ask, “You didn’t work today?” And your response had better be good one! Jeff ensured that his finances were straight, his household was taken care of, and his family had what they needed and even things they wanted. Jeff joined The Great Dalton Baptist Church in April 1980 and remained a faithful member until his death. He served as an usher, co-chairman and later chairman of the Trustee Board, a member of the Male Chorus, and a faithful attendee of Sunday service, Sunday School and Bible Study. It was certain that Jeff loved God, his church, and singing! A good time was had when he got the microphone! His family loved to hear him sing! Jeff loved all kinds of music. He especially loved Gospel and old school rhythm and blues. Some of his favorite artists included The Canton Spirituals, The Soul Stirrers, The Staple Singers, Bobby Blue Bland, B. B. King and Johnnie Taylor. Over the years, Jeff could be seen sitting in the dining room or basement of his home, listening to his music on 8- track tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, or his laptop. He’d be quietly singing and tapping his feet. He even tried to teach himself to play an electric guitar in earlier years. When cuddling with the grandkids, he’d sing his favorite line, “Boom, boom, boom. Diddly, diddly, diddly, diddly!” The grandkids loved to play tunes on the harmonica with him. Jeff also loved to laugh and crack jokes! His hearty laugh was infectious! Even when in the hospital, he would joke with the doctors and nurses and bring smiles to their faces. One of his nurses even joined him in singing! Another one nicknamed him, “Sweet Daddy!” Even when days became difficult, Jeff still found joy in light-hearted moments. It was undeniable that Jeff loved his family and friends. He supported them in every way he could. He influenced so many other children over the years. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, worshipping, baking, sports, and gathering for family events and reunions. If you had the opportunity to enjoy Jeff’s banana pudding, sweet potato pie, pound cake, coconut pie, pecan pie, or peach cobbler, you definitely had a treat! He enjoyed watching sports on television. His favorite teams were the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. He also enjoyed sitting on the front porch shooting the breeze with his late friends Lloyd and Arthur. Jeff was a staple in his family, his home, his church, and community. He lived by example, and the values he taught will be a testament to his intangible legacy. Jeff, well done, good and faithful servant! Jeff was preceded in death by his sons, Jefferson Lamont Barr and Isaac Barr, Sr.; former son-in-law, Anthony Taylor; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leroy Barr Jr., Nathaniel Barr (Evelyn and Barbara); Willie Barr (Claudette), and Richard Barr; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty Wilson (Archie) and Verma Wells (Corenzo); sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Louise Garlington (Johnnie), Sarah Hauser (James Rowdy Sr. and George), Sandy Witherspoon Jr., William Payne Sr., and Joseph Barr Sr.; and several aunts and uncles. Jeff leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ruby Barr; his children, Lewis (Denise) Barr and Darlene Griffin; bonus sons, Duane Swift (Tina) and Jerome Rogers (Tracey); daughter-in-law, Debra Barr; former daughter-in-law, Quawaitha Barr White; sisters, Beulah Barr and Lillie M. Williams (Izola); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great- great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Aaron Coleman Sr., Daniel Coleman (Rose), Michael Coleman (Sharon), Alvester Toney Coleman (Voncillia), David Coleman (Marian), Benjamin Coleman (Sylvia); sisters-in-law, Audrey Barr, Juanita Michael (Jesse), Essie McCullough, Barbara Barr and Geneva Payne; aunts Helen Barr-Brown (Arthur) and Hazel Barr-Harris; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; loving neighbors, Wanda Roberts, Keonna Weaver, Kyesha Joyner, and Kamari Howell; and special friends Genesis Gale, Aaron Williams, Calvin Dickens, and Terry Long.

Tributes

Wilbert J. Barr

April 1, 1941 - September 25, 2024