Mr. John Benjamin Barber

His Legacy: John Benjamin Barber was born on March 29, 1921 in Hopkins, South Carolina. He was the tenth of eleven children born to Reverend John B. Barber and Mamie Holly-Barber. John (aka Johnny) attended Booker T. Washington School in Hopkins and shared fond and funny memories of life in the one-room schoolhouse, and on the farm where he grew up. His keen sense of awareness and extraordinary memory has allowed us a colorful glimpse into our past with priceless detail and warm connections. At the young age of 19, Johnny left Hopkins to join the US Navy where he served on USS New York and USS Kankakee in the Pacific fleet during World War II. At wars end, in 1941 John headed to Washington, D.C. where he worked at Walter Reed Hospital before moving to Detroit, Michigan in 1946. There he met and married his loving wife of 58 years, Gladys Jones-Barber who went on to be with the Lord in 2011. To their union came three children, Darryl Colbert (who preceded him in death), WeTonia (Rodney) Reynolds, and Yenina Barber (More’). John was employed by the Ford Motor Company for 30 years starting at the historical Ford Rouge plant in 1948. Throughout the years John was a skilled carpenter who left his unique design on kitchens and basements of family and friends alike (Even working with his brother Melvinto remodel historical Motown on West Grand Blvd. in Detroit). For decades he enjoyed CB radio and charmed the airways with his mic as the “Motor City Bumble Bee,” later to be known affectionately by his fellow CB’ers as “Uncle BB.” John retired from the Ford Livonia Transmission Plant in 1978 to enjoy 40 years of happy healthy retirement. He was an avid fixer and intuitive thinker who stayed uniquely tuned in with technology and current events. “At 97... He had a Facebook Paget!” He is affectionately known as Poppa by both children and grands alike and who-who by his young great grandchildren. Daddy loved poetry and prose. He would quote a favorite childhood poem or phrase at the drop of a hat, and would do it with full vocal vitality and expression. You could always find one of his thoughtful quotes on Facebook or email or simply on a note pad around the house. He regularly pondered the here, and hereafter in deep yet open minded wisdom. John Benjamin Barber was indeed baptized, blessed and highly favored. His determination humility and strength, his quiet yet awesome presence and his special brand of humor will be deeply and dearly missed.

Mr. John Benjamin Barber

March 29, 1921 - March 24, 2019