Junius Barber

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Deacon Junius Barber.

With deep love and reverence, we celebrate the life and legacy of Deacon Junius Barber, a devoted servant of God, who completed his earthly journey on March 4, 2026.

He was born on May 1, 1936, to the late Joseph and Joella Barber. Deacon Barber confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of Elizabeth Popular Springs Primitive Baptist Church where he served faithfully. He later joined St. Matthew Primitive Baptist Church where he also served faithfully until his health began to fail. He lived a life deeply rooted in his love for the Lord, exemplifying humility, wisdom and his unwavering commitment to God's work. Some of his favorite songs were "A Charge to Keep I Have" and "Come Ye that Love the Lord", that he always sang. These songs reflected the life that he lived. Deacon Barber worked for several construction companies during his lifetime.

He began his career at Florida State University in the Grounds Department. In 1978, he successfully completed the course of study for Customer Engineering at Customer Parking Equipment Service School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was also later promoted to supervisor of Parking Services at Florida State University. He retired after thirty (30) years of dedicated service. In addition to his church service, he was a respected member and Past Worshipful Master 32 of Mt. Olive Lodge #5 PHA, where he served with honor and integrity. He used his God given talent and directions from God to build Mt. Olive Lodge a permanent meeting place. Many said it couldn't be done, but with God's help, he did it. His leadership reflected his strong moral character, strength, discipline, and dedication to helping uplift others. The activities of farming, fishing, and gardening were in his blood. He met and formed a brotherly relationship with Maurice Hartsfield and began working with him. The pond that they dearly loved allowed them to fish, relax, and enjoy the time they spent together, over the years.

Deacon Barber was a faithful husband, father, brother, uncle, grand and great grandfather, godfather, and friend to so many people. He shared a beautiful union of sixty-nine (69) years with his beloved wife, Annie Mae. This marriage stood as a testament to enduring love, devotion, faith and true commitment. Deacon Junius Barber's life will forever be cherished by his wife, Annie Mae Barber, his son Joseph A. Barber (Georgette), daughter, Terri Simmons (Elder Herman Simmons); two grandsons, Christopher J. Barber (Danielle) and Darius T. Donaldson Sr.; great grandchildren, Navaeh, Adechike, Nadira, Azunah, Aliyahi, Atias, Naleighna, Nightly, Elijah, Aquintis, Darius and Destiny; brother, Deacon George Barber; sisters, Willa Barber and Ethel Allen; goddaughter, Patrece Broadnax; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special family and friends.

Two sisters, Helen Williams and Ethel Pearl Thomas, preceded him in death.

Though he has departed this earthly life, his works, and witness will continue to speak. Those we love, remain with us, for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade, because a loved one is gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is a memory, they will live on in the heart. As written in Revelation 14:13: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. Well done, thou good and faithful servant!

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Deacon Junius Barber.