On January 5, 2017, Jean Fernandes Barbour, the beautiful light that glowed among us for 78 years, became a star in the heavens, from where she will shine on us eternally.
Jean was born on June 13, 1938 to Henrique "Henry" Fernandes, Sr. and Mary Britte Fernandes in Marion, Massachusetts. She is survived by one brother, Steven Fernandes, and three sisters: Elizabeth Walker, Nancy Concholar, and Julie Ann Gomes. Jean was preceded in death by three brothers: John Teixeira; Henry Fernandes, Jr.; and Manual Fernandes; and one sister, Flora Pina.
She was married to the love of her life, Charles Barbour on December 31, 1960. Their 56-year union was blessed with three daughters: Renee Cheryl Barbour, deceased; Elaine Barbour Curry (Charles); and Brenda Marie Barbour (Laton O'neal Palmer). She was the adoring grandmother of five grandchildren-Austin Curry, Kendyl Curry, Langston Curry, Evan Palmer, and Lane Palmer-and the loving aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.
While Brenda and Elaine were growing up, the family moved from state to state, but Jean never lost sight of her educational goals. You would often hear her say, "It took me 20 years and six colleges, but I finally earned my degree." She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1985 with a Bachelor's in psychology.
One of Jean's greatest joys was spending time with family and friends. Her favorite past times included lunches with "girlfriends" of more than 50 years, as well as golfing, painting, and traveling. She visited Germany, France, Austria, Great Britain, Jamaica, Mexico, and more than 20 U.S. states. But the highlight of her travels was her 2014 family trip to Cabo Verde, her parents' homeland.
If you knew Jean, you knew she was Charles' biggest fan. His mission was her mission, whether it was moving the family to support his career, campaigning for Democratic candidates, working with the NAACP, or advocating to have the new elementary school in Front Royal named after Hilda J. Barbour.
Having retired to Front Royal twenty-three years ago, Jean and Charles were deeply rooted in this community. Jean regularly attended John Wesley United Method Church and enthusiastically volunteered with their "Feed the Hungry" Program. She also volunteered with the Blue Ridge Arts Council, Blue Ridge Hospice, The Originals Tutoring Program, and the Women's Resource Center
The lives of those she touched will be forever brighter.
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January 19, 2017
Catalina&Dick Hoover
Catalina and I loved Jean Barbour-- whether as a fellow grocery shopper well met, or as a valuable participant in environmental and civil rights commemorative gatherings. She was charming, humorous, thoughtful and centered on others-- never on herself. Our deepest sympathies go to husband Charles.
January 13, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Family. May God, the Hearer of Prayer, bring you peace and comfort in these difficult times.
January 12, 2017
Annie Horne
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 11, 2017
A.D. Carter
Chuck and family, we extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beautiful wife, mother, grandmother. Treasure your memories.
A.D. Carter & Family
January 11, 2017
Mary Kay Moose
I am so saddened to hear about Jean. I got to know her caring attitude through her volunteering at Warren County High School. She and her husband were instrumental in supporting the Kilby , Barbour , Butler scholarship for a graduating senior . She will be truly missed. Mary Kay Moose
January 11, 2017
Linda Taylor
I am so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. She was a lovely lady, warm and caring. We will miss her tremendously.
January 11, 2017
Molly Snyder
I was very saddened yesterday when I heard about Jean's death. I was always appreciative of how nice she was to my Mom, a fellow Massachusetts native, and her hard work with the WCDC. My heart goes out to Chuck and the rest of her family.
January 11, 2017
My condolences to your family, know that God will comfort you in this time of sorrow draw close to Him and He will draw close to you James 4 verse 8
January 10, 2017
Elizabeth Molchany
Charles, you and Jean must have suffered terribly with the illness which ended your partnership and joint devotion to the betterment of the community at large, but we know that it did not and cannot end your love or cease the 56 years of memories. How deserving you both were to have had each other and how grateful to you so many others were and will continue to be for years. Stay strong. You are needed and loved by many.
January 10, 2017
Laura Lantz
I am so saddened for the loss of such a beautiful soul! I was lucky enough to get to know Jean in Silver Sneakers class. She was a a strong and inspirational lady and a true pleasure to have in class. I hope she is leading a class of angels in heaven!! I loved her and will miss her. I hope her family finds peace in knowing she brought happiness to so many.
January 10, 2017
Jill Williams
I grew up in Wareham, MA, which was right next to Mrs. Barbour's home town of Marion. She also shared that she often spent time in neighboring Onset where my sisters live. Whenever we ran into each other at various functions or stores, we would always chat about our latest trips "home". She was a very dear, sweet lady and I will truly miss running into my friend from "home".
January 10, 2017
James & Mary McFarlane
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 10, 2017
A Bowlding
Sorry for the loss of your dear love one. May God be a source of comfort during this difficult time. (2Cor 1:4)
January 10, 2017
Marlene Bruner
Dearest Chuck & Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Jean. I am still in shock after learning of her passing today. I will treasure the many wonderful memories our families had with you and Jean throughout the years. She will be missed here on earth but I know she is in good hands resting in Paradise! RIP my dear friend Jean!
With Love,
Marlene Bruner & Family
301-949-7973
January 10, 2017
Gert Taylor
Charles; you have my heart felt sympathy for the loss of your wife, she was a great person. May god strengthen and bless you and the family.
January 10, 2017
Charlie and Cindi Plauger
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss.
January 10, 2017
Dorothy Lemon
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of Jean. I know she will be missed. May the God of all comfort sustain you at this most difficult time (2nd Cor. 1: 2-4)
January 10, 2017
John Feehan
My deepest sympathies on Jean's passing. She was a wonderful, wonderful lady, dedicated to serving our community. I truly was blessed knowing Jean. Rest in peace lovely lady.
January 10, 2017
Connie Cermak
Jean reminded me of my mother from the moment I first laid eyes on her in 2012. I felt a deep connection with her and was honoured to call her my friend. I believe Jean must have been a queen in a former life, as she was elegant, regal but warm and humble and shared herself generously with us. We were truly blessed to have known her and to have had the privilege of working with her on efforts we all cared so deeply about. She will live in my memory as an icon of beauty and values I wish to embrace.
January 10, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
January 10, 2017
Phil. 4:6, 7
May the peace of God be with you.
January 10, 2017
Mary Ellen South
Condolences to the family.
She was a special spirit.
We bonded as we shared the sorrow of the loss of our daughters.
Mary Ellen South
January 10, 2017
Vernon Sewell
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May God redeem your love one from death. Hosea 13: 14.
January 10, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Jean. May the fond memories you share comfort and sustain you.
-RM
January 10, 2017
Jonsie
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of or love one. Sending my prayers and condolences. May you continue to lean upon God for comfort to help you endure during this time. Psalms 146:5,6.
January 9, 2017
Nicki Lynch
What a lovely lady! We will certainly miss her here at Samuels Library.
January 9, 2017
Sonja Carlborg
An infallibly elegant and gracious woman, Jean is a great loss to our community. My sympathies to all.
January 9, 2017
Dawn Hinkle
My condolances to the Barbour family on the passing of Jean. She will be missed dearly in SilverSneakers class she always made us smile and laugh. God has surly gained a special angel on this day. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
January 8, 2017
To: Charles & The Barbour Family
Our hearts and prayers are with you and we love you dearly. We had so many, many fun memories we shared together with Jean and you throughout the years. We are so bless to be part of your family.
God Bless,
Jock & Elaine Lopes East Freetown, MA
January 8, 2017
I was so sad to learn of the passing of this lovely, loving, and kind woman. Jean was gracious, warm, and also fun. My husband and I extend our deepest sympathies to Chuck and to the rest of the Barbour family. You are all in our hearts and our thoughts.
January 8, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
January 8, 2017
I am in a state of shock over the passing of my dear friend of many years, Jean. My deepest sympathy to the Barbour Family and my God be with you all in this time of sadness.
Remembering all the good and wonderful times we all shared with Jean.
Peg Goodyear
January 8, 2017
Sidney Quinn
We are very saddened by the news of Jean's passing. We extend our condolences to Charles and to their children and extended family. We will miss her.
Bill and Sidney Quinn
January 8, 2017
Linda J. Allen
Too soon, too hard to bear the loss of Jean who was always "here" for every wonderful project of caring and helping others to be able to move forward...a loving presence with courage and kindness ever and anon. A friend to share the changes in life, the projects, the questions, always with a positive look to overcome the hurdles. A devoted wife and mother with a beautiful relationship with Chuck--worth celebrating, find hope within for our own growing up. And, unimaginable sorrow for her family for which no words or feelings I know can ever bridge the gulf now in their own lives. I hope our lives honor her work, care among those who knew her.
January 8, 2017
Cheryl Logan
My condolences to the Barbour family. May the loving memories of your wife, mother, grandmother, and friend bring you peace and reconciliation during this sorrowful time.
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