Barbara Berg

Barbara M. Berg, a woman of exceptional grace and vitality, passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 95 in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Born on December 27, 1930, on her grandfather's farm in Deerfield, Ohio, Barbara's life was defined by her dedication to family, her love of learning, and her passion for the arts.
Barbara's early years were spent in Ravenna, Ohio, where she was raised by her loving parents, Lyle and Margaret (Myers) Maines and her loving grandparents Walter George Maines and Harriet Maines. Her journey led her to graduate from Louisiana State University (LSU), which set the foundation for her diverse professional and creative accomplishments. Barbara began her work life as a legal secretary, where she demonstrated her impeccable organization skills and her flair for language. These attributes served her well as she went on to become a self-published writer, artfully sharing her narratives with a wider audience.
A woman of many talents, Barbara shared her love for music by teaching piano for over three decades. Her students were not just privy to her musical expertise but were also recipients of her warmth and generosity of spirit. Along with her varied professional pursuits, Barbara also earned her pilot's license for small aircraft, conquering the skies with the same determination she exhibited in every aspect of her life.
Barbara was an artist at heart, with a particular affection for colorful flowers which reflected in her painting. Her hands were rarely still, often immersed in sewing and embroidery, creating intricate patterns that matched her complex and beautiful character.
Family was the cornerstone of Barbara's world. She leaves behind her adored daughter, Cynthia J. (David Miller) Randall; her devoted sons, Brian (and devoted daughter-in-law and wonderful caretaker, Benita) Randall, and Jeffery Bell; her cherished grandchildren, Laura Gonzalez, Jennifer Miller, Eric Randall, and Alyssa Daughtery-Bell; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Hannah Gonzalez, Ethan Gonzalez, Miles Vanek, Edwin Miller, and Zachariah Gillmore and her niece Marci Bellcastro, and her friends with New Neighbors of Memphis who will carry forward her legacy. The family's newer additions, great-great-grandchildren Callie Grace and Beau Wyatt, although young, will grow up knowing their great-great-grandmother's remarkable tale.
Sadly, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her son Richard Bell and his wife Rita Bell; her sister Linda Moff; and beloved daughter-in-law, Laura Randall.
A private service will be held with burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville, Ohio.