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Betty Barber Obituary
Clinton, MS
Betty Louise Renshaw Barber was born in Shannon, Mississippi on September 3, 1927, to P. C. and Lillian Renshaw. After graduating valedictorian from Shannon High School, she went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi College, and later a Master of Arts from Mississippi University for Women. She taught at the preschool level for several years, and eventually, she was able to pass her experiences on to others by teaching preschool teachers. She also taught preschool education for a number of years at Mississippi College. Betty had a huge heart for the Lord and served as a Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church. She was very active in praying for, supporting, and visiting those involved in mission work, and she also made several mission trips with her husband. Betty was dedicated to serving God and loving others and often prayed that God would use her gifts for His glory.Whether she was writing a note to a family member or speaking with a store clerk she met in passing, she made it a point to constantly remind those around her how much God loved them. Betty was just as active in showing God's love as she was in talking about it—she was an overflow of encouragement, support, and kindness. She often ended conversations and letters by saying, "God loves you, and so do I."
Betty married Joseph Henry Barber, Jr. on December 23, 1950. They were married for 61 years. She survived her husband by slightly over a year, and then followed him home on her eighty-sixth birthday. She is survived by their three children, Beth Barber Kaiser (Richmond, VA), Beverly Barber Raddin (Clinton, MS), and Joe Henry Barber (Gate City, VA); and son-in-law David Raddin and daughter-in-law Reba Finch Barber. Survivors also include seven grandchildren: Taylor Willis Pedigo and husband Jeff; Olivia Willis Graugnard and husband Jack; Arthur Willis; EJ Kaiser; and Kathryn, Callie, and Meredith Barber. Her great-grandchildren are Mike, Jane Louise, and William Graugnard; and Mikayla Kaiser. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Memomma.
On the morning of her last birthday, Betty mentioned to a friend how wonderful it would be to be called her home on her birthday. She went to be with Jesus later that night, September 3, 2013. Though the loss was unexpected, she told family members just prior to her passing that if the Lord was ready, so was she, and He granted her last birthday wish. The visitation will take place in First Baptist Church of Clinton's sanctuary at 9:00 A.M., Friday morning, September 6. A service will follow at 11:00 A.M. Betty will be buried in Harperville, Mississippi. Pallbearers are Arthur Willis, David Raddin, Jack Graugnard, Jeff Pedigo, and Charlie Raddin. Honorary pallbearer is John Sidney Barber. Memorials can be made Mississippi College. "God loves you, Memomma, and so do we." Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Betty Barber
Diane Wilson Whitt
September 11, 2013
I talked to Betty several times over the years. I knew her mother, Cousin Lillian, well. She always spoke with love for Betty and her family. I can tell she was a special lady and the world is surely a better place because of her. May you find comfort in your faith in God and the love of your family.
Carole Kelly
September 11, 2013
What a wonderful testimony, great witness, came from Betty Barber, a favorite of so many. Discovering we both had special memories connected to Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo added a special touch to our friendship at First Baptist in Clinton. Although rejoicing in the homegoing joy of both Betty and Joe, I have to say they are two who are very much missed at First Baptist Church. Loving thoughts are sent to all the family.
Terry Shields
September 10, 2013
I knew P.C. and Lillian Renshaw in Tupelo (Calvary Baptist Church plus I also lived down the street from them). I met Betty at their house on Confederate Avenue; they were so proud of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during the difficult days ahead. - Terry Ragland Shields
Sherry Bobo
September 7, 2013
Beverly, Joe and Beth, just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of your Moms passing. Your Mom was a special lady. My parents thought the world of her. she was always bringing them sweets. I am praying for all of you. Sorry I haven't been to see y'all . We had to put my Dad on the hospital.
Ollie Flint
September 6, 2013
Dear children: I loved Betty since 1949 and her parents, grandmother, and sister, and then when Joe appeared on the scene, I loved him too. How thankful I am that I was able to visit with them in their home in August 2011
which was the last time I saw them. My sincere sympathy and love.
Ollie Fay Wood Woodward Flint. September 5, 2013
Brenda Burris-Jeter
September 6, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Barber's passing. She was my supervising teacher during my student teaching at Mississippi College, in the lab school. Little did I know that one day I'd be the principal of an Early Childhood Development Center with close to 200 Pre-K students! Thanks for teaching me to take "no" out of my speaking with children, and to just tell them exactly what you do expect them to do!!!! I share this wisdom daily!!!! Well done, Mrs. Barber!!!!
September 6, 2013
Sending special love and hugs to all of you!
Judy Kilgore and Ronnie Dow
Lisa Hall Edwards
September 6, 2013
Joe,
Just found out about your mom. I am praying for you and your family. When I think of strong, gracious Christian women, your mom is at the top of my list. Not only was she kind and helpful to all, but what an influence she had on the lives of so many preschoolers at FBC,Clinton. God bless you and your family during this sad time.
Guinevere Young
September 6, 2013
James and I are some of the foreign missionaries that Betty encouraged to the 'inth' degree. We are thanking GOD that we got to cross her earthly path!
September 6, 2013
What a connection your mother had with our Lord. We should all have that same relationship with God. He knew that she was a saint and she longed to be with Him so, he granted her wish of going home. I wish I had known her. May God grant you and your family peace and comfort now and in the days ahead. Love to you and your family, Marcella Blaney
Roddy & Amy Reed
September 6, 2013
Your family is in our thoughts & prayers!
Melissa Dickson
September 6, 2013
I had the privilege of working in the preschool lab while I was at MC, and loved Mrs. Barber. She was such a wonderful lady and had such a loving heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this time.
Melissa Thompson Dickson
September 6, 2013
Betty recently visited Pastor Joe and his family in Gate City, Virginia. We were so fortunate to have her attend our Sunday School Class. Although we knew her for such a short time we felt as though she was a long time friend. She was so proud of Pastor Joe. She said she was happy to be able to visit his church and his congregation and feel our love for him. Our prayers are with Betty and her family. Jo penley, Harry Penley and Frances Datig
Alicia and George Pittman
September 6, 2013
So many, many wonderful memories of our dear friends, Joe and Betty. They were such great examples and inspirations to so many people with their Christian commitment to service and love.
Kelli Clower Hardy
September 6, 2013
I was one of Betty's students in the late 80's. I enjoyed her classes so very much and learned lessons that I still remember today. Her bright smile and encouraging words were always so helpful. Whenever I would see her in following years, she would always ask how my children were and where I was teaching. She was a sweet lady.
Praying for your family during the days ahead.
Eleanor Horton Smith
September 6, 2013
Deepest condolences from your neighbors in Columbus
Stephen (and Denise) Coleman
September 5, 2013
We sat right behind Mr. and Mrs. Barber in church at FBC Clinton every Sunday for the last 5 years, and she was such a sweet sweet lady! She always gave my wife a hug every Sunday morning and a warm greeting. We will miss seeing her, and extend our deepest sympathy to her family.
Valerie VanOstenbridge
September 5, 2013
We are thinking about you all and sending our love and prayers. Aunt Betty will forever be remembered in in my heart in her red dining room serving the most delicious dinner and sweetest tea in Mississippi! God is welcoming her home to be with Uncle Joe!
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
September 6, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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