Barbara Duff Whitfield

Barbara Duff Whitfield was born in Mt. Vernon, Indiana on July 25, 1934, to Wava Toran Smith and Robert J.H. Smith. She grew up with six siblings, Francis, Adeline, Augusta, Louis, Doris, and Charles. She accepted God as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her faith was reflected in church activities, and in acts of love and generosity toward others.

Barbara attended Mt. Vernon High School and graduated in 1953. She relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, and began working at Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Finance Center where she served for forty years. Her attention to detail and teamwork led to an assignment as clerical lead for her department. Barbara retired in 1995.

In 1953, Barbara met John Whitfield at the Finance Center. They married on September 5, 1954, and enjoyed nearly 69 years as husband and wife. The couple welcomed their first child, Stephanie, in August 1955, and in May 1957 Jon was born. Their home was a place for numerous large family gatherings which they cherished over the years.

In 1969 after the loss of President John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Barbara prayed for God to use her to promote peace and love. Soon after

Barbara began writing songs with that theme which she performed for a variety of events. She left a legacy of heartfelt melodies.

Barbara enjoyed several pastimes. For holidays she filled her kitchen with great aromas. Especially memorable was her famous monkey bread. Barbara loved to shop for bargains at favorite stores like Tuesday Morning. She often shopped ‘til she dropped. Barbara also took pride in organizing and beautifying her home to create a welcoming environment. Upon retiring, Barbara tutored children, which helped to fulfill her interest in teaching. She was also an enthusiastic fan of her favorite tennis players, as well as the Indianapolis Pacers and Colts. In addition, John and Barbara enjoyed traveling to warmer regions during the winter months.

On April 12, 2025, Barbara passed away at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, John Whitfield, and five of her six siblings. Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter Dr. Stephanie Smith (George); son Jon Whitfield (Sherry); grandchildren Staci Murrell (Orlando), Lauren Quarles (Wayne), and Drew Whitfield (Leann); great-grandchildren Jaylen, Amani, Krisily, Drew Jr., David (DJ), Bryce, Braylen, Jordyn, and Dwayne; her great-great-grandchildren Amir and Arri; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.