Mary Helen Barber

Mary Helen McLaughlin Barber went to be with her Lord on April 2, 2018, at the age of 93. She was born in Glidden, Iowa, on July 13, 1924, to William Locke McLaughlin and Lois Blanche McLaughlin. She graduated from Glidden High School and attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. She married Frank Oscar Barber on October 13, 1945. They lived in California, Texas, New Jersey, and in Norfolk, Virginia throughout Frank’s naval career. Mary had various jobs, including bookkeeping for several firms. She worked for the United States Navy (Civil Service) and finished her career as a computer systems analyst, retiring in 1978 at the age of 64. Mary and Frank celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995, and Frank passed away in 1996 from emphysema.
Mary continued to live in Norfolk until she moved to Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Facility in Fayetteville, Georgia (4 miles from the home of her daughter Susan), in October of 2002. She lived there for 10 ½ years and then (after a two-week hospitalization) transferred to Southland Health and Rehabilitation in Peachtree City, Georgia, for a higher level of care. At Southland, she enjoyed participating in all the activities and served as President of the Resident Council. She was a great Atlanta Braves Baseball fan and loved Duke University Basketball.
Mary was a long-time member of Toastmistress and then of International Training in Communication (ITC). She was also a long-time member of National Association of Parliamentarians and remained a registered parliamentarian until her death. She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star. Throughout much of her life, Mary was very active in the Methodist Church, serving as the treasurer of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, for many years. She was also a very talented oil painter and enjoyed doing needlepoint.
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Susan Barber Childers Minter (and husband Bill) of Peachtree City, Georgia, and Judine Barber Moore Heidicker (and husband Roy) of Goldsboro, North Carolina; grandchildren Vicki Moore Beall (and husband Joe), JT. Moore IV, Scott Childers (and wife Laura), Barbara Childers McCoy (and husband Don); nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many other loving family members and friends.
Mary was a strong influence in the lives of her family as well as others around her. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Memorial Services will be held in Peachtree City, Georgia, and in Norfolk, Virginia.
The first Memorial Service and Reception will be held on April 21, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Peachtree City United Methodist Church, 225 Robinson Road, Peachtree City, Georgia.
The second Memorial Service and Reception will be held on July 29, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Wesley Grace United Methodist Church, 288 East Little Creek Road, Norfolk, Virginia. Interment will take place next to her husband Frank on Monday, July 30, 2018, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6329 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities:
American Lung Association or Wounded Warriors Family Support.

How to donate online:

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION: Mouse over “Donate,” and choose “Memorial Gift.” Honor Type: In Memory of. Honor title: Mrs. Honor First Name: Mary. Honor Last Name: Barber. Choose Gift Amount. Skip Optional Gift Notification. Complete Billing Info. Click on “Process.”

WOUNDED WARRIORS FAMILY SUPPORT: Donate. Donate Today. Fill out all info down to Tribute Information. Type: In Memory of. First name: Mary. Last name: Barber. Check “Donate Now.”