Barbara Millicent Richards was born in the capital
city of Kingston, Jamaica on October 30, 1938 to her loving Mother Virona Ashwood. Virona, a dressmaker and seamstress, worked hard to raise Barbara in a humble god-fearing home in Kingston. Barbara was baptized at the Somerset Methodist Church in 1939 and, like many Jamaicans, was raised in a Christian matriarchal home with love and strong discipline. Barbara’s early influence was a family headed by Virona and her equally strong and independent Sister Lyn. Aunt Lyn’s Daughter Ivy also lived with them at times. Barbara and Ivy were like sisters and their bond of friendship unbreakable. Later, and while living in London, Virona adopted Barbara’s “baby brother” Paul. They all dearly loved each other and both Ivy and Paul to this day remain an integral part of Barbara’s life story. Home in the early years was by no means palatial, more importantly home was a nurturing cottage where Virona and Lyn instilled strong Christian values of faith to face challenges and adversity with dignity, loyalty to family, honesty at all times, suffering no fools or foolishness lightly, becoming educated while striving for a better life. “Spare the rod and spoil the child” was a refrain in the Ashwood home! These early values would help inform Barbara’s world view and those who know her best and loved her most would benefit from her imparting these important standards. Barbara attended the Central Branch All Age School in Kingston. She then went to the Ardenne High School where she successfully sat and passed all her Senior Cambridge Exams and graduated Ardenne in 1956. Much to Virona’s delight, Barbara’s top subject was Religious Studies. At
Ardenne she met some of her lifelong friends including Dr. Zelma Weston-Henriques and was also a schoolmate of the famous Jamaican Actress, the late Madge Sinclair. Zelma recalls that as schoolmates “…The world was different than it is today. There was discipline and respect. We enjoyed learning for the sheer joy of learning. We had a nurturing environment which was prized above everything else and are very fortunate to have a friendship that lasted for a lifetime. Barbara was warm and loving and cared a great deal about improving her life and the lives of others…”. Her Father, Albert “Massa” Richards, took pride in being a decorated World War II RAF Soldier. Barbara cherished the gift from him of several paternal brothers and sisters as well as a number of step sisters and step brothers. Barbara took pride in her siblings and ensured that she kept in close contact with all of them including – Shirley (New York), Evelyn “Jimmy” (Kingston), Gloria (New Jersey). Barbara built meaningful and lasting bridges of love with Shirley, Gloria, Jimmy and their families. She enjoyed her occasional visits to Shirley and Gloria (or them visiting with her in Jamaica) and also formed a close bond with Jimmy’s family and in particular his late daughter Janice and her family. Barbara spoke fondly of another strong influencer of her childhood and the visits to the home of her paternal grandmother Daisy Richards. Jamaica in the 1940’s and 1950’s, even more than now, was a country where you “should know your place” with race
and class being important status symbols and dividers and the unspoken norm that certain invisible lines should never be crossed. Despite this, as well as the not so subtle attempts of some to enforce those unfortunate societal norms, a bond of love was formed between Daisy and Barbara. She loved combing Daisy’s hair while listening to her stories, ideas and opinions and Grandma loved instilling in Barbara values that she must speak truth to power and she could achieve anything and go anywhere. She imparted to Barbara a love for classical music and a respect for the arts and creativity. She empowered Barbara to reject societal norms of the pre-independence Jamaica and value her own path, form her own views and experiences ...cherish her own independence. Grounded in a strong work ethic, coupled with Christian faith and imbued with a spirit of adventure and self-confidence, Barbara began her adulthood journey. An extract from Barbara’s poem written in 1974 sums up her view of her childhood experiences:
“It has returned again Making one reflect into the past The remembrances of sweet childhood To wonder free along sun bathed beaches With feet upon the sand, picking up warm pebbles All in our reach To run in the rain, feeling it on our upturned smiling faces The remembrance of friends – long gone our several paths The sweet innocence of childhood days Those nostalgic feelings return once more”
On 7th October, 1957, perhaps the first act of an independent Barbara was at the age of 18 making her decision to decline Virona’s “offer” to travel to England with her in search of a better life and to remain in Jamaica to be loyal to her dream to pursue studies at the nursing school of the University College of the West Indies. She enjoyed her 3 years of nursing studies. She excelled, was excited about her studies and graduated at the top of her class in 1960. She loved nursing, particularly surgery and also the miracle of childbirth. Eventually she became a certified midwife by 1963 and graduated first in her class at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Midwifery. While living, studying and working on the University Campus she made deep life-long friendships with several other nursing students including Phyllis Gibbs, Pam Reid and Lorna Marshall all of whom were not only roommates but remained her close friends and confidantes. She spent holidays with Lorna Marshall as Virona had by then migrated. Barbara enjoyed going to the beach and ice cream dates with her friends, listening to the smooth tunes of Mario Lanza, Nat King Cole, Jim Reeves, Paul Anka, Elvis and Chubby Checker. Barbara and Pam were transferred to the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital in 1961. As young nurses they both met a dashing young banker Brian (Max) Walker. In June 1961, Brian persuaded the
young nurses to come with him to meet his equally dashing cousin and best friend Orville Walker. Orville clearly remembers that day in 1961 in Colegate, Saint Ann when Barbara alighted from Brian’s Anglia car in a stunning pink dress … her smile…that face…her ease…”Very nice” indeed, he thought. That day was also memorable as Orville’s Grandmother had just died and the body remained in a bedroom of the house that Barbara arrived at. Barbara and Pam were un-phased by this unfortunate development as they invited themselves to Grandma’s bedroom to take charge of proceedings to verify the accuracy of the family’s death pronouncement by taking her pulse and ensuring her body was properly prepared. Orville was captivated by Barbara and perhaps a little uncomfortable by these most unusual circumstances under which to first meet your future wife. Courtship and dating ensued for 4 years. Orville and Barbara had many double dates with Pam and Max (who themselves eventually wed). Barbara loved the beach and ample time was spent there and at the occasional restaurants and clubs in Saint Ann. They both took long drives in Orville’s Austin Cambridge in which Barbara got her first driving lessons. They enjoyed this time with the music of the Flamingoes and the Platters serving as part of a loving soundtrack to their romance. Around this time Barbara was offered a full scholarship to a leading nursing school in London to learn specialist nursing procedures but she elected not to pursue these studies as young love was in full bloom!
At 4:30 pm on September 16, 1965 at Saxthorpe
Methodist Church, Saint Andrew Barbara and Orville were married. Officiating at their wedding were Rev. Douglas Elliott and Rev. John Poxon. The wedding reception took place at the home of her beloved Grandma Daisy. Saxthorpe Methodist Church remains Barbara and Orville’s family Church to this day. Barbara and Orville moved into their first home being a charming small cottage with a white gate, moss-covered stone walls, wide shade trees, wild flowers and a grassy front garden located on St. Christopher’s Crescent, Browns Town, Saint Ann. With no municipal water supply, the house received water from its own tank. Many a night Barbara would scream as a tadpole would pop out of the shower. Still it was home and they were happy in love – tadpoles and all.
Barbara and Orville moved to Kingston and set about planning a family. In 1966 they
were excited to announce Barbara was expecting their first child, a daughter whom they named Michelle. Their joy was short lived as during the last trimester Barbara had a work-related fall at Victoria Jubilee Hospital which caused her to lose Michelle. This was a devastating loss, but they remained determined to continue building their family. On July 21, 1967 their first son Donovan Craig was born. On July 29, 1968 their second son Orville Kirk-Patrick was born. Barbara and Orville lived briefly at Carter Avenue (Saint Andrew). They purchased their first home at Hart Boulevard, Hope Pastures, Saint Andrew where they lived for about ten years (moving for a few years to Port Antonio, Portland where Orville assumed the role as Scotiabank Branch Manager). They built their final home at Shortridge Crescent, Saint Andrew where for over 43 years Barbara and Orville raised their family since 1977 until Barbara’s passing. Barbara took great pride in her home. She loved her family and her family will always be blessed by her. She loved her rose garden, tended to her small home farm and ensured her home was meticulously cared for and welcoming. More important to her was Orville, Don and Kirk. Barbara was the principal homemaker and she put her career on occasional hold due primarily to Donovan’s asthmatic condition. She raised her sons to be adventurous and to have positive experiences and fun. At the same time, she insisted that schoolwork be done on time and academic focus in the household was important. She insisted that her sons read everything; and was heartened to see the deep study of the family encyclopedias that the boys took pleasure in. Barbara encouraged her sons to appreciate music; Don, the Guitar, and Kirk, the Piano, encouraged sports such as karate, swimming and tennis. Not only was she a Mother to Don and Kirk but she loved her nieces and nephews and particularly welcomed Michael, Nardia, Winsome, Karen, Ian, Tina, Janice and so many others who stayed at Shortridge from time to time. Despite the moans and groans of her sons, Sunday mornings saw the family off to Church and the Walker Family found their church home at Saxthorpe Methodist. She insisted that education was imperative and her sons grow up to be not only gentlemen like their Father and also productive, creative, healthy and godfearing members of society.
Barbara believed in family, friendship and loyalty. She kept in close
contact with everyone she loved whether in Jamaica or overseas. She enjoyed her travels with the main focus of her journey being to be with her family members. She wrote long letters to them and kept them fully updated. She saved every letter including the ones she most treasured - being those love letters from the 1960’s between her and Orville. She opened her home with embracing arms and offered a full plate. She did not suffer foolishness lightly and would not put up with nonsense. She was opinionated and had views on everything and every event. She had a listening and encouraging ear and would impart knowledge and advice in a manner and insightfulness, perhaps much better than Oprah. During his teenage years, the arguments between Donovan and Barbara were legendary…perhaps he was honing legal skills. Mom realized Kirk’s love of science, technology and computers and ensured that he was the recipient of the latest computer gadgets which facilitated his love of computers and robotics. While raising her family Barbara worked for a while at Scotiabank. She also worked as the School Nurse and Guidance Counsellor at Kingston College, as well as at the Claims Department at Blue Cross. Coming out of her fashion design training, she started a small home-based business selling one of a kind t-shirts and then opened a small factory in downtown Kingston which manufactured towels for the hotel industry. She even joined Donovan to run a small pepper farm to supply peppers to the retail trade. In her later years, she again joined with Donovan and Ingrid to become a Subway Franchisee. For a few years, she served as a Director and initial Shareholder of Subway Restaurants in Jamaica. Her organizational skills proved invaluable to Don and Ingrid in this venture as she helped build a strong foundation for Subway. Barbara not only insisted on her sons’ educations but from time to time she would do various courses to improve her own life skills. She enjoyed courses in Cooking, Floral arranging and Ikebana, Family Life Education (UWI) and Dressmaking (at Singer as well as the Creative Arts Centre). She had a generous heart and spirit and encouraged a spirit of giving. She worked alongside Orville in the Rotary movement and tirelessly served the Inner Wheel Club of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew. That Club recalls Barbara’s Contribution as “…Barbara embraced Rotary and was an integral part of the Rotary family. She served as president of the Inner Wheel club (a club consisting of the wives of Rotarians) on a number of occasions designing projects, raising funds and generally supporting the work of Rotary. She worked tirelessly for the Rotary Club of St Andrew assisting with its many projects over the years and was deeply involved in all aspects of Rotary…”. While Donovan was President of the Rotary Club of Saint Andrew, the Club presented to Barbara a Paul Harris Fellow for service to Rotary – being the highest award of Rotary International.
Barbara was the consummate hostess for various social events for family friends,
Scotiabank, the Rotary Club and patiently allowing lymes by Donovan and Kirk with their rowdy friends. Barbara felt it better to have her sons’ friends crowd the house under her watchful eyes, than they be on the street doing what with whom. She looked forward to good company and hosted memorable meals not only with wonderful fare but food for the soul. She had a wonderful sense of fashion and friends would describe her taste as impeccable. She loved her karaoke nights, live music and filled her home with music ranging from the popular disco and pop of the 70’s and 80’s to the standard love songs, classics, opera and curiously she had a liking for Polish “Magic Organ” Music. Orville and Barbara would be known to belt out a love song or two at the top of their voices – making their own joyful noise. She enjoyed family drives to the country and would insist that Orville stop the car to allow her the opportunity to uproot “wild” flowers for her garden. She loved fellowship with her family whether at an upscale restaurant or eating lobster, fish and festival at a shack on Hellshire beach. Barbara was so happy to welcome her daughter-in-Law Ingrid into her life when Don and Ingrid were married in 1994. Orville and Barbara always wanted a daughter and in Ingrid they found a treasure and a blessing. Ingrid recalls when she had doubts about pursuing her college degree and working at the same time, it was Barbara who drove her to the University to ensure her enrollment. Ingrid also experienced Barbara’s love, opinions and advice – whether solicited or not as she was now a member of the Walker family. While her love for her sons and Ingrid was unshakable providing them with the security and confidence that only a loving home can provide, it was her dedication and unwavering love for her first and only true love, Orville Fitzroy Walker, that is most worthy of remembrance. 2020 was the 55th year of their marriage. In her final love letter to him only read by Orville after Barbara passed she wrote
“…My Dearest Orville, I want you to always know you mean so much to me. I can never put into words my love for you, our friendship, our life and so much more that, as the years go by, gets deeper and deeper for me…”.
The final years of Barbara’s life saw her health deteriorating and her embarking on the biggest
struggle and fight of her life to deal with her several health problems. With Orville by her side she faced her health challenges with dignity and strength. At times she was exhausted and in pain but her unwavering faith as well as Orville’s tireless love and support raised her through the fire of her ordeals. In spite of her illness Barbara had a natural panacea being her adored granddaughters Born on November 20, 1997 - Jessica Abigail Rei, and Born on 24th January, 2002 - Zoe Daniella Yamile. Jessica and Zoe together with Kadie, Daniella, Nathan, Brandon, Adrian and Jaden provided joy and relief. She celebrated their achievements and would want to hear everything about their development and would offer her usual sage advice about everything touching and concerning the children. She would pour her love and affection into them and looked forward to their visits and travelling with them. For many years Barbara cherished having Jessica, Zoe and Kadie over every Thursday afternoon for quality time.
In the twilight years of her life Orville stood with her and on the celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary. She confided to Donovan that the words of the timeless Gladys Knight song describes her gratitude and never ending love for Orville:-
“I’ve had my share of life’s ups and downs but fates been kind, the downs have been few I guess you could say that I’ve been lucky Oh, I guess you could say that it’s all because of you If anyone should ever write my life story for whatever reason there might be Ooh, you’d be there between each line of pain and glory ‘cause you’re the best thing that ever happened to me” In the last months of her life Barbara’s health deteriorated, and she undertook what would become the greatest battle of her life, although she would never want her life and life’s work to be defined only by her recent bodily deterioration. She was strengthened and often relied on her favourite Bible passage, Psalm 23 as she knew that the Lord was truly her shepherd during challenging times. Standing valiantly with her through the valley of her illness was devoted Orville with the support of her family and her devoted nurses. With Orville by her side, she passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on May 19, 2020. We all love Barbara very much and will miss her dearly and deeply. Her lifetime of faith, dedication and self-sacrifice serve as a monument to the exemplary woman she was. She remains a life partner of love for Orville for 55 years; remains a rock to Donovan, Orville Kirk-Patrick, Ingrid, will always be a beacon of light for Jessica and Zoe; and a compass for her siblings, close relatives and friends including Ivy, Paul, Gloria, Evelyn, Shirley Val and Harry. Those who love Barbara Millicent Walker will carry her in our hearts forever and be grateful for her life and legacy. The Yoruba people have a wise saying applicable to all of us today “…If we
stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of those who come before us…”.
We thank you Barbara Millicent Walker – Wife, Mother, Grand-Mother, Sister and Friend. We love you. Walk good Babs until we meet again. You are free!
SUBWAY (JAMAICA) LIMITED
IN MEMORY OF BARBARA M. WALKER
Subway restaurants in Jamaica pays tribute to Barbara Walker who served as a Subway franchisee, founding shareholder and director of Subway (Jamaica) Limited when Subway commenced operations in Jamaica in 1995. “Mummy Walker”, as she was affectionately called by the Subway team, brought her keen eye for details and standards to assist the then fledgling organisation establish a lasting foundation of excellence and customer service which serves Subway well to this very day. In 1995 Barbara travelled to Milford, Connecticut to attend and successfully complete the Subway Franchisee course. At that time she was one of the older franchisees on the course but her vibrancy and energy was inspirational to franchisees on the course. Subway remains grateful for Mummy Walker’s meaningful and lasting contributions. We express condolences to her family during this difficult time. May Barbara Walker Rest in Peace and light eternal shine upon her. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26
ROTARY CLUB OF SAINT ANDREW
TRIBUTE TO BARBARA M. WALKER Barbara Walker embraced Rotary and was an integral part of the Rotary family. She served as president of the Inner Wheel club (a club consisting of the wives of Rotarians) on a number of occasions designing projects, raising funds and generally supporting the work of Rotary. She worked tirelessly for the Rotary Club of St Andrew assisting with its many projects over the years and was deeply involved in all aspects of Rotary. Her work was recognised with the award of a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award bestowed upon an individual by Rotary International. Her home was a place where all Rotarians could find rest and recreation, where herself and Orville hosted innumerable functions always ensuring the comfort of her guests who were the recipients of her courtesies and many kindnesses. One can never forget her parties sponsored entirely by her family held by her rose garden, the roses in full bloom, with Barbara being the consummate hostess, providing the many delicacies, very often with an accomplished artist, or a live band or some form of unforgettable entertainment. Barbara’s friendship with Rotarians knew no bounds, remembering birthdays, anniversaries and other significant events, always displaying a genuineness and concern not only for Rotarians but members of the extended Rotary family. She accompanied Orville to many District Conferences and Assemblies, throwing her full weight behind him when he served as Rotary President and later Assistant Governor. She knew what it was to “live Rotary” and was often the life of the after work parties dancing the nights away. Barbara brought out the very best in Orville, little wonder they were so inseparable, complimenting each other and passionately in love down to the very end. Rotary has lost a friend, one whose zest for life was unbounded, who assisted in laying a solid foundation of service especially to the poor and vulnerable and who has left the world a much better place than she found it.
Barbara Walker – “QUEEN
OF THE VILLAGE” - The NAC Foundation Remembers! Some twenty years ago, the proverb of Nigerian origin ‘Oran a azu nwa’ translated ‘It takes a village to raise a child! ‘ became undeniably manifest in the actions of Barbara Walker and her husband Orville in relation to Kay* a Law School graduate who had grown up from childhood within their Jacks Hill community, and whose life circumstances had spiralled downwards to become dire. What began as a project to assist in personal, social and economic upliftment, mushroomed into a virtually decades long significant life affirming journey of love.
Out of those fledgling gatherings came what was to become known as the NAC Foundation – the embodiment of the village embracing Kay, whose own family situation, in addition to her personal challenges, had become quite unstable, her parents having passed on in her early adulthood. The mantle of leadership of the Foundation fell upon me and later upon my colleague Heather Dawn Brown. . In its most active years 2000 – 2004, the foundation members used personal and professional connections to fundraise for our Sister Kay, about whom we then said to our potential benefactors that “having been out of the mainstream for a while… has resumed her life’s journey in a more steadfast manner with the help not only of the NAC but of several community minded persons”. Support activities were myriad including theatre benefit, fish fry and direct appeal activities. Barbara worked tirelessly as only a mother could and, along with Orville and the other Foundation members, was directly instrumental in facilitating accommodation, health care and employment opportunities for Kay. The Foundation’s activities had not only the effect of creating direct support for Kay’s personal upliftment, but also generated a vibrant fellowship within its members and became a ‘good news’ story for the legal profession, attracting generosity and goodwill beyond its modest size. A lot of the achievements of our venture into the unknown can be attributed to the selflessness, resilience and persistent active faith of Barbara, in desiring to make a difference in the life of one whom she had known as a child. You see – where the NAC Foundation left off, Barbara and Orville along with other friends continued to be the village for Kay, even as she sought to live a new independent life. Kay is forever grateful for what Barbara has done in changing her life trajectory. So, we dub Barbara as” Queen of the Village”, and with her effortless but energetic grace we from those Foundation days, would have said indeed “she’s royal”. So while saddened by Barbara’s passing, we declare to Orville and family members and friends at this time that we have such sweet memories of the life lessons she shared, as she gave of herself for the upliftment of our Sister Kay, that they constitute part of her continuing legacy. So, we can say – “ WALK GOOD BARBARA,, YOU HAVE RUN THE RACE WELL, FAITHFUL AND SURE - ENTER
INTO THE JOY OF THE LORD. AMEN.”
*Assumed name for purposes of privacy
Albert Edwards Former Chairman NAC Foundation
Physically, my sister is no longer here, but that’s not the only way to be with somebody. She will live on in my memories and in yours. Geographically, we spent large times apart- but the connection we had, meant we found the quality time to contact each other often. Like many great women, Barbara had a strong woman in her life, in that of our mother Virona. Barbara both reflected and modelled this throughout her life. Over the years, she became a wife and mother. Her husband and children in turn, reflected her strength and it’s safe to say she managed an amazing family. Throughout their life together her husband Orville has been her rock. We will miss her for now. I say for now because I believe she hasn’t ceased to exist, but rather changed her address and I am certain in hope and Faith that one day, we will all see her again. Paul Hall- Brother
BARBARA FROM IVY In loving memory of my dear cousin/sister You are gone but never will be forgotten. I will always cherish the precious memories we made together in our youth and our adult lives. So I will not say Goodbye but Farewell till we meet again. Ivy Ashwood
Barbara,
In God's earthly garden there are many flowers. They don't all bloom at the same time or last the same amount of time, only God knows. The sorrow we feel when we lose a loved one is the price we pay to have them in our lives. In your life, you touched so many, no matter the age; and you will live in our hearts with cherished memories. Val Val Timoll (sister-in-law)
BARBARA
my Friend
The elegant, beauty, caring mother, friend of the friendless, and compassionate caretaker. I met Barbara at Nursing School when our two classes were joined together. We shared the stress of being student nurses under a strict English Matron, the joy of graduation and the excitement of starting a new life in our chosen profession. Our group was special and the small size allowed us to build lifetime bonds. Barbara’s calling as a care giver and a care taker led her to Nursing School, but her passion to help others could not simply be enclosed in a profession. She was always finding ways to help others – because Barbara’s heart knew no limits and had no boundaries……I remember how she cared for a young student who fell on hard times, leading to living on the street Miss Babs fed her, cared for her and never gave up until she found adequate long term medical care for her…..That’s our Beautiful Barbara - our beautiful caring Barbara. I remember our friendship as young women – sharing the joys of marriage and the blessings of children . Barbara loved expressing her internal beauty in her surroundings, and all who knew her were blessed by her careful attention to making her home and her garden a beautiful place of refuge and peace. It was only natural that our Barbara would express her care and love for her family and friends in this way. Beautiful heart – Beautiful surroundings – Beautiful Barbara. Lets remember her legacy of care, love and beauty and continue to be inspired by our beautiful angel who has gone home. Phyllis Gibbs
It is with much sadness that I write to you. Miss Babs is gone home to her Lord and Maker. We are thinking of You, Donovan, Kirk, Ingrid, Jessica and Zoe, and praying that the Lord will continue to strengthen you and the family with his Love, Grace and Mercy in your time of loss. Miss Babs lived her life and loved her life inspite of all her challenges of pain, and discomfort. She loved her family and her family loved her. She loved her Lord, who kept her all these years fighting a “Galant Battle” while giving love to all around her. You were her “Knight in Shining Armour” loving and caring for her to the end of her days. My family and and I are grieving with you Orville, and will always think kindly of you and Miss Babs for always making us feel that we were a part of your family; and will always cherish the friendship we have enjoyed for so many years. Miss Babs was my dearest friend and I will miss her. I am consoling myself knowing that she is in a better place, settled safely in the arms of her Lord. Walk Good My Friend..................The Battle Is Done...............
MAY HER SOUL.REST IN PEACE
Valerie and Webster Edwards
I was very saddened today when I received news of Barbara’s passing. Our friendship goes back to our high school days. The world was different than it is today. There was discipline and respect. We enjoyed learning for the sheer joy of learning. We had a nurturing environment which was prized above everything else and are very fortunate to have a friendship that lasted for a lifetime. Barbara and I were separated by geography because of my relocation after high school to pursue higher education in the United States. Through all those years, Barbara and I always kept in touch. Our characters were similar. She was warm and loving and cared a great deal about improving her life and the lives of others. I often visited with her whenever I returned to Jamaica. She contributed a great deal to society having worked as a nurse. I will miss her dearly, knowing how close our bonds were. It was an honour to have known her and to have enjoyed such a special and close friendship. May her soul forever R.I.P. Dr. Zelma Weston Henriques & Family
A CANDLE FOR BARBARA
I light a candle of friendship, for the moments shared when she allowed me to see into her heart; For the shared meals and her gentle hospitality; I light a candle of hope - for the hopes she had for her family, that she would see her grandchildren grow, but that was not to be. God knows best. I light a candle for her love of beauty - the flowers that she lovingly nurtured. For her strength and resilience in bearing tremendous pain. I light a candle for gratitude on behalf of her fellows whom she served in her career and social endeavors. I light a candle for Love; love for her family, readily expressed in her concerns for them, even though she was the one ailing. I light a candle, for the graciousness of The Lady Barbara, and thanking God for her life. Rest my dear friend, in the arms of Jesus. Rev. Valerie Royes