Mrs. Claudette Virginia Barr

The sun rose on April 2, 1943, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Stewart & Americus Henrietta Robinson welcomed Claudette Nelly Virginia Robinson, their first-born child, a day the world became a little brighter. On Tuesday, October 10th of 2023, our beloved mother, Min. Claudette Virginia Barr peacefully passed away, after a brief battle with complications related to a terminal illness. She lived a full and warm life, filled with all the joy and pain, ups and downs, that come with being a sojourner, carrying light and peace through this troubled world.
Claudette's parents relocated, bringing her as a baby, to the bustling city of Baltimore, Maryland. Once in Baltimore, Stewart and Henrietta brought forth three more children from their union. They also helped to raise one niece, the late Rev. Mary Ellen Porter; and one nephew, Hector Robinson, currently residing in Florida.
As a child, Claudette attended Baltimore City Public Schools; and became a proud graduate of Edmondson High School, in June of 1961. She later furthered her education, by attending Baltimore School of the Bible, Maryland Theological Seminary, and Washington School of the Bible; which aided in her profound knowledge of preaching and spreading the unadulterated gospel.
Before attending seminary schools, Claudette went on to work, becoming the first African American female to be hired at the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company. She went on to work as a library clerk, for the Enoch Pratt Library. She eventually went on to establish a career at the Department of Social Services, here in the State of Maryland, where she remained for almost 30 years, until she retired in the year 2001. Claudette was known by many for being very caring and compassionate about completing the work that it took, to aid struggling individuals and families with children. She gained great peace when she helped those who needed temporary assistance, until they were able to get back up on their feet and begin anew.
In the early 1960s, Claudette met Wille James Barr, Sr., while on her way to sing at a gospel concert with the Gospel Cavaliers; a concert in which Willie was also singing with The Peerless Gospel Singers. Theirs became a classic love story of When North Meets South in a good way, as Willie became the love of her life. The two happily married on November 17, 1962. And out of their union came five lovely children, ten grandchildren, three step/bonus grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, and eight step/bonus great grandchildren.
In the late 1970s, Willie and Claudette joined and became faithful members of what was then called Dalton Baptist Church, where Bishop Aggie L. Brown was the pastor. Willie became Chairman of the Deacon Board and Claudette became a Minister of the Gospel. After the passing of her husband in 2004, Claudette remained a faithful minister with the Great Dalton Baptist Church. She also served temporarily as an associate minister at Christway Primitive Church, under Pastor Robert K. Greene. She later continued her membership at Great Dalton under the pastorship of her dearest and only son, Bishop Dr. Willie J. Barr, until her passing. She often testified that she could really relate to Mary the mother of Jesus; because, she had the honor and pleasure of giving birth to the child, who would later become her leader and pastor.
Min. Claudette was also a faithful participant of the Universal Rise and Pray Prayerline, led by Bishop Barr's assistant pastor, Dr. Thelma & her husband, Deacon Wesley Blount, and her assistant, Assoc. Min. Marie (Deac. Ronald) Shelton, of the Great Dalton Baptist Church. Claudette was a prolific storyteller; and also enjoyed such hobbies as arts & crafts, listening to and watching great preachers; and catching up on her recordings of her favorite TV shows. Claudette is fondly remembered as a good listener, advice-giver, encourager, and close friend to everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and getting to know her.
Min. Claudette was preceded in death by her husband, Willie; her parents Stewart and Americus Henrietta Robinson; her sister-cousin, Mary Ellen Porter; brother, Stewart R. Robinson; her son-in-law, Brian V. Green; and many other close in-laws, relatives, and friends.
Claudette will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all her family and friends who loved her dearly. She is survived by her brother, Harry (Leesa) Robinson and their children; her sister, Min. Etta F. (Gregory) Watkins. Her sisters-in-law, Beulah Mae Barr, Lily Mae (Izola) Williams; her brother-in-law, Wilbert Jefferson (Ruby) Barr, and sister-in-law, Audrey (the late Richard) Barr, and brother-in-law, Archie (the late Betty) Wilson.
She will be sorely missed by her children. In birth order: daughter, Zina A. Barr; only son, Dr. Willie, Jr. (Juanita); daughter, Valerie A. Barr; daughter, Dionne Claudette (Tyrone) King; Kimberly (the late Brian) Green. Along with her contribution in the raising of her nephew, Damond A. Thorington, and nieces, Danean (John) Jenkins, and Shannon Johnson.
Her grandchildren, in birth order: Iyanna Brown, Isaiah Brown, Dominick (Danita) Taylor, Joshua & Ebony Barr, Sean Carolina, Nksoi K. King, Xina-Symone Carolina, Bryan & Jade Green. Also, her great grandchildren: Isaiah Alexander & Chase Isaiah Brown, Destiny & Dominick, Jr. Taylor, and Angelo-Juan Cosby.
Step grands & great grands: Quatina (Detran) Hicks, Terrence (Kia)Deane, Cermontie (Kalequa) Sloane; and their children: Kyree, Rhyan, Joon, Josiah, Lil Deane, Kylei, Kanon, and Krew.
Also, a hosts of many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives and friends.
The Barr family would like to thank everyone for their love, well wishes, and support during this difficult season. May the Lord bless and keep you and your families as you journey on, living your best lives.