Barbara Jean Loehr

DURHAM ~ Barbara Jean Zimmerman Loehr, 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Durham, NC. She was born in Daytona Beach, Florida to the late Harold Rhodes Zimmerman and Lucy Genevieve Wilcox Zimmerman. In addition to her parents, Barbara is also predeceased by her brother Frank Zimmerman, sister-in-law Peg Zimmerman, nephew Marty Zimmerman, granddaughter Meaghan Alexandra Loehr, and great nephews Chris, Sean, and Timmy Lang.

Barbara spent her life as a devoted Christian, beloved mother, dedicated professional, and passionate community worker. She was a graduate of the University of Florida, where she was a gifted actress and singer, performing as a member of the Florida Players. She raised her children in Gainesville, working as a social worker for the state of Florida and later serving as the Director of Alachua County Social Services, where she touched the lives of countless individuals. A sixty-year member of Wesley United Methodist Church, she served as the mission outreach coordinator and as a cherished member of the choir, always welcoming others with a beaming smile.

Barbara's love for Gator sports, Scrabble, and Yahtzee was exceeded only by her devotion to family, friends, and animals. She rescued many dogs throughout her life and passionately cared for the well-being of others. Following in her father's footsteps, she was a proud member of the Lion's Club for many decades, contributing in numerous ways to the Gainesville chapter and earning numerous distinctions. For over 40 years, she also sponsored educational opportunities for children in Africa, impacting lives across the globe.

Barbara's legacy of love, compassion, kindness and service will forever be remembered by her loving family and those who knew her. She wanted to be remembered for the fun, love, and laughter she brought to those around her.

Barbara is survived by her children, William Loehr (Julie), Robert Loehr (Ann), Barbara Loehr-Fox (Winter), and Elizabeth Loehr Moody; grandchildren, Christopher Loehr, Matthew Loehr, Kobi Loehr (Brett), Carly Loehr (Jon), Alexis Ewing-Moody (Mark), Brandon Moody, Forrest Moody, and Courtney Moody; great-grandson, Mako Loehr-Treacy; nephew Paul Zimmerman; nieces Barbara Zimmerman Phillips, Susan Loehr Wentzel, and Judith Sabaka; and sister in law Louise Merritt Loehr.

A memorial service will be held on October 18, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Daytona Memorial Park, 1425 Bellevue Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32144.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Gainesville, FL Lions Club, Wesley United Methodist Church, Gainesville or your favorite animal charity.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.