Anita M. Barbee's Obituary
Anita ‘s most enjoyable things to do was going fishing-a favorite past time that
Was born Anita Marie Barbee on Saturday, March 22,1941, in Dallas, Texas, to the
parents, Jesse Linscomb and Thelma Griffin. At age 6, Anita relocated to Oakland,
California with her family.
Anita attended Clawson Elementary, Herbett Hoover Junior High and McClymonds
High School all in Oakland, California.
In her mid twenties while spending the summer with her cousin Lucille in Stockton,
California, Anita met and married Kenneth Barbee. During their marriage they moved
to Chicago, Illinois.
Later, Anita had moved to Houston, Texas to live once again in her native state, only
to return four years later to Oakland, California- the place she called home since early
childhood.
Anita was a very sophisticated and well dressed lady, which made it extremely easy
for her to fit in and work at many high end retail stores. She worked in retail for 50
years for some of the most well known and exclusive department stores: Emporium
Capwells in Oakland; Bullocks and Nordstrom’s, both in Walnut Creek; Macy’s in
Stockton, Union City, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco; I. Magnin in San Francisco
and Chicago, II.; Joseph Magnin in Oakland; Neiman Marcus in Houston, TX.; and
Sales Fifth Avenue in San Francisco. Working in retail kept her abreast of the latest
fashions and products-that not only kept her looking good; but also knew, what made
customers look and feel good about their appearance. Working in San Francisco,
many well known elites and famous people sought her opinion on what to wear for
different occasions. During the holiday seasons-that she immensely loved- she selected
the most “eye-popping” fashions for her clients.
Always keeping herself interacting with society, Anita took on a second job as
concierge, with The Social Butterfly- located within the Sir Frances Drake Hotel in
San Francisco. As concierge, Anita made sure that guests had everything they needed
from a well tailored suit to sold out theatre performances to delectable meals at the
most popular restaurants within and outside of San Francisco city limits. This job
matched well with what she enjoyed doing most- looking fabulous, and being of
service to others.
Her most recent and last job before her death was with the City of Oakland, Department
of Human Services, ASSETS Senior Employment Opportunities; to which she
served as front office reception. This job was an ideal match for Anita to continue the
things she loved and enjoyed most: dressing well; servicing the public; decorating for
holidays; meeting, greeting and encouraging others; and building life-long friendships.
rubbed off on her from her mother, uncles and one of her eldest sisters, Estelle. She
also enjoyed traveling -especially- by car so she could recreate long lived memories
and not miss a photo opportunity. Anita also liked going to the theatre- stage performances
and motion pictures- to which she attended with her youngest sister,
Jessie, or with nieces and nephews or with friends. For Anita, birthdays were very
special. She celebrated at work with her favorite birthday slogan … “It’s all about
It Nita” and sharing of birthday cake. And for co-workers she would bring treats, gifts
and a card. Anita also took computer comprehension and introduction to digital camera
classes at Veterans Memorial Hall Senior Center to polish her technical skills.
She enjoyed the company of meeting new friends and bay area excursions. She liked
sharing the pictures she took.
But her real passion was “SHOPPING” to which she not only bought for herself, but
for others as well. She would shop for cards of all occasions, clothes, high heeled
shoes, and home decor. She could always find that special something for anyone even
a bag of “hot fries” for a nephew while she was ill.
Anita would stand out in a crowd for the tastefulness of her attire. She did not have to
put effort into being noticed, she just, was, noticed. Not only did Anita dress well,
she was also creative decorator for her home. She would display the most beautiful
table settings during the holidays. Her favorite was Christmas. Every year she hosted
Christmas breakfast to which she displayed an elegant themed Christmas tree. She
would even dress up a clear pitcher of water with assorted fruits and ice inside that
looked like a piece of art. And she took photos to capture the moment.
Anita was a member and served as Sunday school teacher for Metropolitan Spiritual
Church in her youth under the leadership of her pastor, Bishop Allan Johnson and
Willie Johnson. Later in life she became an active Sunday school teacher and usher
with New Testament Cathedral, in Oakland, shepherd by Pastor Sherry Hayes.
Anita has peacefully transitioned her soul to God to join her mother, Thehna Griffin,
father, Jessie Linscomb, and siblings: Reverend Lottie McGhee, Missionary Velma
Murphy, Katherine Griffin, Reverend Barbara Ellis, John Griffin, and Jimmy Longall
whom has preceded her in death.
Anita leaves to mourn her passing and memories to her sisters Estelle Frieson and
Jesse Linscomb of Oakland, Ca. great aunts Algeria Merrell of Dallas, TX. and
Eunice Craig of Oakland, Ca. a host of generations of nieces and nephews; cousins,
and friends and her lifelong friends, Brenda Bartholomew, Marietta Whitaker and
Flunoel Redmond.
What’s your fondest memory of Anita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anita?
Share a story where Anita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anita you’ll never forget.
How did Anita make you smile?