Lillie Ruth Barber passed away on December 18, 2024 in Live Oaks, Texas at the age of 104. She was born in Conyers, Georgia on October 17, 1920 to Earnest and Bessie Jackson. In her early 20s, she left Georgia to explore new opportunities in Cleveland, Ohio. She worked as a personal chef, cooking delightful dishes and was known for her chicken a la king, beef bourguignon and sweet potato pie. It was in Cleveland where she met the love of her life, Robert Stanley Barber, whom she married on June 19, 1956. She and Robert were wonderful parents to their daughter, Cheryl, until he tragically died in a car crash. As a single parent, Lillie returned to work to pay for her daughter's private school tuition so that her daughter could realize her dream of becoming a lawyer. Years later, Lillie proudly got to watch her daughter receive her law degree.
Those who met Lillie often described her as feisty, independent, strong, interesting, kind, and generous with her time and love. When she wasn't traveling or spending time with family and friends, Lillie often spent time reading. She was a voracious reader - reading the daily newspaper and books by Danielle Steel. She was a great conversationalist and could entertain many with her engaging stories about her adventures and life in general.
At the age of 75, Lillie moved to Houston, Texas to be closer to her daughter and grandson, Robert. She was more than "granny", she was like a second mother to her grandson. At 95, she eventually transitioned to a nursing home. She was a long term resident of Advanced Rehabilitation of Live Oak where she became friends with the staff and residents. She was one of the oldest residents, but she was always one to speak up, and praised staff when they did a good job. Lillie will be missed; she was one of a kind.
She was precedented by her late husband Robert; parents Earnest and Bessie Jackson; brothers Earnest Jackson and Thomas Jackson; sisters, Lillian Jackson , Martha Bryant, Mattie Hammond and Arrie Robinson; nieces Delores Palmer and Diane Miller and nephews Willie Jackson, Traci Jackson, Maurice Miller and great nephew Lester Demond Lackey.
She leaves behind her daughter, Cheryl (former son in law John Weinberg); grandson, Robert; nephews, Herbert Jackson , Anthony Jackson, Ricky Miller; nieces, Georgette Shy (Jacinto), Beverly Bryant, Constance Lackey (Lester), Colise Anderson (James), Belicia Spearman, Florence Miller (Gilbert) and Rochelle Miller; great nieces and nephews, Renita, James, Jacinto Jr, Steven, Alexis, Brandy, and Dezaria; many great great nieces and nephews, and close friend Alan Myrtle.
Services to be held at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Ave, East Cleveland, Ohio at 11 am January 4th 2025. Burial at Cleveland Memorial Gardens.

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Published by Cleveland.com from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Lillie Barber

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6 Entries

Angela, Herman and Jarrett Richard

January 5, 2025

We all loved her so much she was a shining example of love to her family and friends. We will miss her.

Will Outlaw

January 5, 2025

I knew Mrs. Barber as a seriously dedicated mother and grandmother. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sharon Penn

January 4, 2025

Hi Belinda,

I remember lil, she was friends with my mother Pauline Penn. I remember deloris, herbie and you. We lived on E, 92nd off St. Clair.

Lil was always so stylish and was always wonderfully dressed. She always smelled good and was a pleasure to be around. She was always fun and telling it like it is, I remember Bob, too.

She had a long and amazing life, I always remembered her. My sister, Doris found Lil on this website. It is amazing that she found Lil.

I am so, sorry for your loss. you had her to the age of 104, How wonderful to have had her in your life!

Laquita Hamilton

Sent Flowers

Donna Edwards

January 2, 2025

I had the honor of knowing Mrs. Lillie Barber since 1984. We shared many holidays together. Her zest for life, unwavering love for Cheryl and Robert were beautiful to witness. The courage with which she faced life and growing older was admirable and a model to replicate. God bless you Miss Lillie. May you rest peacefully in God's eternal embrace.
Peace and deepest sympathy to Cheryl and Robert

Tina Frantz

January 1, 2025

What a beautiful lady and a long well lived life. Much peace and comfort to her family.

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