Anna Laura Barber

1950 - 2026

Anna Laura Clark Barber, born July 25, 1950, in Savannah, Georgia, passed away January 3, 2026, after an extended illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Jessie Charles "J.C." Barber and a lifelong teacher, seamstress, volunteer, and pillar of the Yulee community.
Anna grew up in southeast Georgia, the daughter of Robert Otis Clark and Tommie Will Smith Clark, and was a proud graduate of Georgia Southern. She devoted her career to teaching in Nassau County, spending most of her classroom years teaching third and fourth grade. A devoted educator to the end, Anna continued as a classroom volunteer after her retirement, where generations of children benefited from her warmth, patience, and creativity.
A talented seamstress, Anna made costumes for many school, church, and community theater productions. She poured energy and imagination into children's ministry at Yulee United Methodist Church for decades - serving on the church council, participating in the women's group, working faithfully in the church food pantry, writing Vacation Bible School curriculum, and founding and organizing the annual Easter "Egg-stravaganza."
Anna believed that every day was an opportunity for service. When she and a friend started a walking group, they dubbed themselves The Ditch Witches and began collecting garbage from the roadside as they walked. Neighbors and pets (dogs and horses!) loved to see the friends as they made their way down the street in dayglo vests and themed witch hats. Her willingness to serve quietly and generously leaves a lasting mark on the community.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jessie Charles "J.C." Barber; her son Jessie Charles "Charles" Barber III; and, her son-in-love Joshua Merritt.
She is survived by her daughters Jessica Barber Scott (Garrett) and Sandra "Sandy" Barber; her grandchildren Elizabeth Merritt, Clark Scott, and Margot Scott; her brother Robert "Bob" Clark (Gail); nieces and nephews; many cousins; and a large extended "chosen" family of friends and neighbors across the Nassau County community who loved her.
The family will hold a service of remembrance on Saturday, January 10, at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Yulee Methodist Food Pantry, 86003 Christian Way, Yulee, FL 32097.
Anna's kindness, steady faith, imaginative spirit, and devotion to children and community will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of service and countless small acts of love that will be remembered by all who knew her.