Barbara Anne Williams Jones, Age 62 of Temple Hills, Maryland.

Obituary

Barbara Anne Jones was born on November 12, 1953, a sweet loving soul—affectionately known as "Babs" to the late Ann Baxter and Woodrow Williams, in Harlem, New York. She peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on April 20, 2016 at Laurel Regional Hospital, in Laurel, Maryland.

Barbara was raised and educated in the New York public school system. She completed her education and graduated from Spingarn High School in Washington, DC in 1971. She was a woman of passion, determination and excellence. Barbara was the devoted mother of Annette Marie and Ryland Orlando, Jr. She excelled in working tirelessly to provide a loving and supportive environment for them and served as an exceptional role model to her children. Babs was, is and will forever be the LOVE of their lives.

Barbara accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in 1981, and committed her heart to kingdom service under the guidance of the late Reverend Dr. Pervis "Fireball" McKenney of the Harvey Memorial Baptist Church. Later, she was baptized demonstrating her new commitment to the Lord. Barbara loved serving the people of God, and was a servant-at-heart. She was an active member of Covenant Partners Community Church formerly Church of the Great Commission, where she served God's people through the SHARE Food Program Network, and many other church outreach initiatives. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Joshua Kevin and Elder Terri White, she learned the importance of faith, fellowship and total trust in God as her source and strength.

Barbara was a proponent of family, she enjoyed life and spending quality time with those she loved. Her passion included; cooking, shopping, traveling, old movies and music. But the hallmark of her life was her children, birthdays and holidays. The delight of giving and exchanging gifts with her children was priceless. Barbara served within the Prince Georges County Educational System for more than 20 years. She held several positions including volunteering in the public school system before obtaining a full time position as a ParaProfessional. Barbara was like a mom to all of her students; she had a caring heart and would go the extra mile to ensure her kids reached their full potential while in her care. On July 1, 2015 she retired from James Ryder Randall Elementary School in Prince George's County, where she worked gracefully until her health could no longer support the expectation. Her hard work, dedication and love for academics earned her honor, recognition and many awards for public service and performance. She will be greatly missed by those whom she imparted wisdom.

Barbara is survived by her loving daughter, Annette; son, Ryland, Jr.; former spouse and friend, Ryland, Sr.; former spouse, Charles David; brother, Henry "Butch" Williams (Vickie); sister, Helen Baxter; brother, Leon Baxter; sister, Marilyn Williams; brother, Carlton Williams. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Albert Baxter, Jeanette R. Williams and Louis "Butch" Dempsey. Babs is also survived by a host of family members and close friends who will miss her infectious laugh, generous heart, embracing hugs and grand sense of humor.