Mrs. Alma Jean Barber was born April 22, 1928 in Chesterfield, South Carolina as one of five children to the late Julia Neuman Meadows and Walter Meadows. After living with Dementia for numerous years, she transitioned peacefully from this life and entered the eternal kingdom on May 24, 2024.

Mrs. Barber was educated in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and completed her nursing program and pinning ceremony at Slater Industrial Academy. She was an advocate for children and focused her attention on Special Needs through Family Services. She worked throughout Winston-Salem teaching at 421 Exceptional School, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, and Diggs Elementary. She retired from the Family Services Child Development Organization, where she enjoyed working with the special needs' population for two decades. Even after retirement, she continued to share her talents and abilities by volunteering with the Urban League, Special Children's School, Center for Exceptional Children, Bethesda Center for the Homeless and numerous other organizations.

Mrs. Barber accepted Christ at an early age where she joined St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church and put her heart and soul into her ministry. She loved music; her singing was well known throughout various cities and states with The Hallelujah Gospel Singers and The Gospel Warriors of Winston-Salem. She had a beautiful and anointed voice from God. He used her to draw others to Him. Mrs. Barber looked forward to yearly conventions and she especially loved attending the Lott Carey Convention. She rendered faithfully to various ministries; Missionary President at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, the Lott Carey Missionary Circle at Second New Bethel Baptist Church, the Forsyth County Missionary Union, Senior Choir, Spiritual Choir, Sunday School member and teacher, Vacation Bible School, and an avid Bible Scholar. She joined her son, Rev. Zavious Pratt at Second New Bethel Baptist Church for many years where she served faithfully. She also served as the recording secretary for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emancipation Association.

She was a member of the Sisters of Bivouac #530, Order of Eastern Stars where she served as a Worthy Matron. She was also a member of King Soloman Assembly #64, Order of the Golden Circle.

Mrs. Barber received a 40+ Years Award for "Distinguished Service" from St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, and "A Lifetime Achievers Award" from The Chronicle of Winston-Salem for her outstanding dedication, loyalty and spiritual guidance with the special needs population.

She studied, she read, and did all she could do to grow closer to Christ. She was a woman of integrity; to meet her was to love her. Of all her earthly accomplishments, she held close to her heart being a servant of our God, this she did until sickness would not allow her to perform in the manner in which she had grown accustomed to doing.

Mrs. Barber was married to the late Deacon Andy Barber, Sr. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wilbert Meadows, Sr. and Paul Meadows; two sisters, Blanche Brantley and Julia B. Spencer; one son, Andy Barber, Jr.; and twin daughters, Michilene Barber and Michelle Benton.

Left to cherish her memories are her children, Deacon Ralph Meadows Sr., Rev. Zavious Pratt (Sharon), Deacon Nathaniel Barber (Diane), Pamela White (Deacon Steven),  Deacon   Zachary Pratt (Cherise), Ponetta Barber, and Nellie Brantley; daughter-in-law, Gloria Barber; sister, Mary E. Williams; all of her beloved and favorite grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends; and devoted and loving caregivers, Joyce, Sharon, LaShonna, and Stephanie.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.