Mrs. Jessie Louise Barber's Obituary
Jessie Louise Barber was born on February 18, 1926 in Jackson, Mississippi, from the union of
Jessie McCoy and Allen Singleton. Jessie was affectionately called “Boots” and she smiled every
time someone asked her how she got that name. Boots was the third of five children and is
survived by her loving big brother, Allen Singleton.
Boots grew up in Jackson, where she was a devout member of Saint Bernard’s Church. She
graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Tougaloo College, where she was a proud member of
the prestigious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She went on to receive her teachering credentials
from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She returned to Jackson to begin her career in
education, and it was there that her love for teaching children was born.
Boots married Hargrow Dexter Barber and moved to Alameda, California, in 1951. They had
three children: Dr. Janice D. Barber, Dr. Hargrow Dexter Barber, Jr., and Dr. Marcus A. Barber.
Boots enjoyed working with young people and taught at several schools in Berkeley, California,
including Burbank Junior High School, West Campus of Berkeley High School, and Berkeley
High School, for over 35 years. Boots found her career rewarding and stimulating, impacting the
lives of everyone she encountered. She was an excellent home economics teacher who had a
passion for cooking and always enjoyed discovering new recipes while she perfected the old
ones. She could produce a full course meal before you even knew you were hungry, and it was
always delicious.
Boots is survived by her husband and three beloved children. She was a devoted grandmother to
six grandchildren: Alicia Barber, Benjamin Frazier, Tony Barber, Taylor Denise Barber, David
Dexter William Barber, and Noah Colton Barber. Boots loved her brother-in-law Frezell Barber; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Singleton and Arcola Davis; and all of their children. She will be deeply missed by her daughters-in-law, Pamela Lynne Barber and Dr. Kymberly H. Barber; son-in-law, Russell Frazier; and Dr. Cecelia Thomas, who she considered a second daughter. Boots is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends, all of whom she loved dearly.
Her life was her family and friends. She showed us all how to live with strength, generosity,
humility, faith, and grace. Boots was one of a kind and she will be sincerely missed, but never
will her presence be forgotten.
What’s your fondest memory of Jessie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jessie?
Share a story where Jessie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jessie you’ll never forget.
How did Jessie make you smile?