Barbara N. Webber

1932 - 2024

Barbara N. Webber, (92), of Black River, New York, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024 at the home of her daughter,Gwen Webber-McLeod in Auburn, NY where she had been under the care of her family, Peregrine Homecare and Hospice of the Finger Lakes.

Born on April 26, 1932, in Tampa, Florida, she was the daughter of Albert and Elise Jackson. Barbara graduated from high school in Florida during a highly segregated time in history. Her hardworking parents set a vision for their daughter and removed every obstacle that could have prevented her from becoming the woman God called her to be.

She attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. She graduated with a degree in education. While on campus she was the chartering president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority on campus. At 19, she married her husband who was a commander in Army ROTC at North Carolina A&T. Barbara and Charlie began their lives together and became a career military couple devoting their lives to mentoring emerging Black Army officers and their spouses.

Barbara and Charlie traveled the world for many years. They were stationed at Camp Drum New York in 1968. Shortly after their arrival Barbara became a 2nd grade teacher at Great Bend Elementary School, Great Bend New York. She enjoyed teaching at Great Bend for over 25 years. Barbara retired from teaching in 1994. Barbara was inducted into the Carthage Central School District Hall of Fame in recognition of the significant impact she had on students and in the district. She remained in contact with many of her students until the time of her death.

The Webber family moved to their beloved community of Black River New York in 1972. Barbara and Charlie were highly respected community leaders who loved every second of being members of the Black River family.

After retirement from military and teaching life Barbara and Charlie became history-making politicians. Charles Webber was elected to the legislature and 6 months later died from terminal cancer. Barbara stepped up and was the first African American woman to be appointed as a Jefferson County Legislator, finishing her late husband's term. She went on to be elected in her own right, serving two additional terms as a legislator for Jefferson County.

Barbara was recognized as the New York State Outstanding Senior of the Year twice by Senator Ritchie and was named a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. Of special note Barbara was recognized as the 2018 recipient of the Athena Award for being an example of the potential of women leaders. outstanding. In addition to her countless accolades and recognitions, Barbara's community service in the North Country is exemplified by numerous volunteer roles with dozens of organizations. She believed in the quote, "Service is the rent we pay for our time on earth." She lived out this quote through her service to many community organizations.

Barbara was and forever will be part of a military family. Her husband was stationed at Fort Drum until his retirement from the Army. Barbara is one of the original Women of the Mountain, a support group which provides services for the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, a title she earned through her dedication, love, and support to her Fort Drum family.

Barbara is survived by her three daughters: Cheryl Webber-Eakin and her significant other, James Hager, of Holland, NY; Gwendolyn and Tracy Webber-McLeod of Auburn, New York; Kimberly and Matthew Janke of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, her loving homecare team, and a host of "bonus" children who lovingly refer to her as "Udder Mudder"

She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Elise Jackson, beloved husband Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Webber and daughter, Terri Webber-Simmons, a sister Gwendolyn Durham and two brothers, Albert and Leroy Jackson.

Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home in Black River.

Calling hours will be held 4-8pm on Friday, July 26th at Sweet Haven Church NY-342 Black River New York. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Saturday July 27th at Main Post Chapel, Chapel Drive Fort Drum New York. Burial will immediately follow at Black River Cemetery.

Those attending the funeral please enter through LT. Gen. Paul G. Cerjan Gate Fort Drum (Route 11) To gain easy access and avoid possible delay at the gate, a prayer card obtained from calling hours or a printed or electronic copy of the obituary must be presented at the gate. The funeral will begin promptly at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Finger Lakes 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn New York 13021. Online condolences may be left at www.brucefh.com