John Lucas Barber Sr

"Our Pillar of Strength"
On Friday, October 20, 1933, John Lucas Barber, Sr. was born to his late parents, Ellanois Stewart and John Lucas Johnson in Houston, Texas. John lived a fulfilled life with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of extended family members, close friends, and associates. He is preceded in death by Keneisha Simmons (Granddaughter), Patricia King (Sister), John Roy Guy (Brother), and John L. Johnson, Jr. (Brother).
John married at a very young age to decedent, Constance Merle Howard. This union gave birth to six (6) children, Michele, Jacqueline, Kevin, Darryl, Valerie and John, Jr. After thirty-six years, they later divorced, and John remained unmarried until his departure. John spent the remainder of his life building a close relationship with his fiancé, Mildred McCray. Besides sharing great times with each other's family, they built precious memories together. Their mutual friendship and love for each other allowed them to share their later years supporting one another through some of the toughest seasons of their lives. Mildred continued to show her loving commitment to John by faithfully serving as his primary caregiver as his health began to fail.
John Lucas Barber, Sr. was and will forever remain a "Strong Pillar" to his loved ones who was known by many titles to them. To his family, he was known as "Daddy, Grandpa, and Grampy"; to his friends, he was known as "Monk, Muddy, Johnny, Big John, or John L"; and to his church family, he was known as "Dad". John accepted Christ in his young adulthood and was a faithful member of Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years under the leadership of Pastors Banks and Murphy Pederson. John finished his walk of faith as a faithful and beloved covenant partner at Wellspring Church International. He also attended Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He continued to sincerely profess his faith until his transition. John played a very integral role in helping to lead his children to the Christian Faith, thus producing strong and mighty Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Ministers, Evangelists, Psalmists, Worship Dancers and very mighty women, men, and children of the Most High!
John leaves a legacy of love, faith, perseverance, correction, loyalty, and longevity. In his later years, he loved attending church when he was physically able or just worshipping the True and Living God wherever he was at the present time. John spent the majority of his time fishing with his sons and grandsons, along with watching sports. His hobbies throughout his life included barbequing, dominoes, bowling, singing, dancing, baseball, basketball, track, football, sharing life skills with his children and grandchildren, going to the casino, spontaneous road trips with Ms. Mildred, visiting his sister Audrey and just enjoying life. But above all, he truly loved his family, especially spending time at holiday gatherings and family celebrations. In his later years, he retired from the pharmaceutical industry after fifty plus years of service. One of John's notable achievements was his induction into the PVILCA Hall of Fame for Football on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency, 123 Losoya Street, San Antonio, Texas. His family was by his side as we celebrated this wonderful occasion with him. Some of his last words to his immediate family as he awaited his ride to glory were: "Baby I'm tired!" John L. Barber, Sr. fought a good and long fight!!!
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved fiancé, Mildred McCray; sister-in-law, Bettie Guy (Houston), two sisters, Audrey Whatley (California) and Willie Mae (Houston); six children, Michele Burton (Edmund), Jacqueline Rubin, Kevin K. Barber, Sr. (Darlene), Darryl Barber, Valerie L. Barber, and John L. Barber, Jr. (Kimberly); eleven grandchildren, Jonella Green, Kevin Barber, Jr. (Kaelyn), Jaketra Holman, Justin Barber (Adrianna), Candace Garrett (Murray), Shaniqua Sanchez, Maia Rubin, Kaleb Barber, Jonah Barber, Noah Barber and Jewel Barber; twelve great-grandchildren, Xavier Barber-Burton, Bria Barber-Burton, Jasmine Green, Qayla Wiley, Paige Wiley, Peyton Garrett, Molly Garrett, Amor Holman, Kahlani Barber, Kamilah Holman, Kaliyah Barber, and Kailah Barber, along with a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Grieving with Mildred McCray are siblings as well as loving family and friends developed over the years during her tenure with John. The Family wishes to recognize one of John's best lifelong friends, Rubenell Jackson.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. with a 11 a.m. service at Wellspring Church International on 710 E. Hwy 90 Alt Richmond, Texas 77406. Interment to follow at Houston Memorial Gardens on 2626 Cullen Blvd Peraland, Texas 77581