Ms BARBARA JEAN MIDDLETON GRAVELY

Barbara Jean Middleton Gravely was born December 15, 1943 in Monroe Louisiana to Etta Harvey and James Middleton. Barbara epitomized the Christian lifestyle and her love for God. Always positive and putting everyone else before herself and her needs, she is a light that will shine on even in death. Barbara was a certified Nurse's Assistant who worked at Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg Mississippi during the 70's and 80's. She supported the staff on the neonatal intensive care unit for almost 15 years before she moved to Florida and cared for geriatric patients. Barbara was known for her fashion sense and her voice. Whether she was going to the grocery store, church, work, or a social event, she dressed in the highest fashion. Barbara had an amazing voice. In the late 60's, she was offered a recording contract in Los Angeles, but she turned it down to focus on family. However, people in the community continuously sought her to sing at various functions which she gladly supported. In her own words, Barbara would serve in any capacity and do anything she was asked to do in the name of Jesus. In addition to singing individually and in various choirs, she served as an usher, served on the deaconess board, and served on the motherboard. Barbara has always been a survivor, she loved life, and she continued to beat the odds. She was in a near-fatal car accident when she was 29 years old, the prognosis was poor and she was paralyzed from the waist down. Not only did she survive, but she walked again and gave birth to her third child after the fact. She has encountered many other health challenges over the years in which she overcame those challenges as well. However, a combination of many unfortunate events during the past few months resulted in the Lord deciding it was time for one of his earthly Angels to come home and join in his heavenly choir. Barbara would always tell her family, they can take away my flesh body because we all must die, but my spirit will live on forever. Barbara leaves behind to continue to celebrate her wonderful spirit her daughter Janice Gravely, her sons Walter and Emanuel Gravely, her grandchildren Angelique, Chante, Walter, Jr., and Aurayana Gravely, 10 surviving brothers and sisters, her aunt Alma Branch, a hosts of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, friends, and her two cats Trinity and Alphonse. Funeral Services were held at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, 7 April 2018 at 11:00 a.m. She was interred at Kirkpatrick's Serenity Gardens Cemetery 8729 Cypress Street West Monroe, Louisiana 71292