Mrs. Candace Barber

The Life And Legacy Of Candace Barber: Today we honor and celebrate the life of Candace Barber. Candace's parents, Isaiah and Elizabeth Lapsley welcomed her into the world on May 10,1915 in Uniontown, Alabama as the fifth of six beloved children. At an early age, Candace developed a love for education and after matriculating through the Perry and Jefferson County School systems, she received her teaching certificate from Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. Her college later received the honor of being designated as a historical black college. Upon her graduation, she returned to her hometown of Uniontown, Alabama and served as an educator for many years. During those early years in Uniontown, she met and married Thomas J. Ward (deceased). There was one child from this union, Joyce A. Miller. Years later, she migrated to Detroit, Michigan in search of better opportunities for she and her daughter. After arriving, she found a new church home at Alpha and Omega Missionary Baptist Church where (while singing in the choir) she met and married her second and last husband George B. Barber (deceased). There were three children from this union: Yolanda Thompson, Reginald Barber (deceased), and Maria Barber. Candace accepted God into her life at an early age and lived her life as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Her love for God was evident in all areas of her life. In 1959, Candace joined Chapel Hill Baptist Church and served faithfully for over 43 years. She served consistently as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, and on countless committees, auxiliaries and ministries. Candace instilled wisdom and the love of God into her family and sowed seeds of love that will reap harvests for years to come. Surrendering to her calling, Candace continued her education at Marygrove College where she majored in and obtained a degree in education in 1980. While working for the Detroit Board of Education, Candace received a great deal of satisfaction and fulfilled her passion as she nurtured her students in the same manner that she nurtured her children and grandchildren. She also fulfilled her civic responsibility by serving as an election poll worker for over 30 years. In the latter years of her life her health declined, but in spite of it all she maintained her strength, humor, dignity, humility and love for others with an enthusiasm for life, often enjoying social activities at Caring Hearts Adult Day Care and spending quality time with family and friends. On January 30, 2016 while surrounded by her loving family, Candace peacefully transitioned.

Mrs. Candace Barber

May 10, 1915 - January 30, 2016