Mrs. Mary Ola Barber was born on December 14, 1930 in Philadelphia, MS,
to the late John Albert and Mary Ann Johnson Thomas. In her early years, she
joined the Poplar Springs Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev G.C. Wells.
She attended Long Dale High School in Neshoba County. After moving to
Hattiesburg, she attended Depriest (Earl Travillion) High School.
Mary Ola was united in holy matrimony to John Edward Barber and to their
union 5 children was born. She worked at Big Yank Factory and Neco's for many
years.
Mary Ola joined the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church and served faithfully
until her health started to fail. Mary was a member of the usher board for many
years, the bereavement committee, the hub city singing union, and served as senior
choir president for many years.
Mary Ola joined the Electa Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star on April
13, 1975. She was a member and eventually became a Worthy Matron of Deluxe
Chapter #133 –OES where she served faithfully until her health would not allow
her to. She then became a lifetime member of Electra Grand Chapter Order of
Eastern Star working under MW King Hiram Grand Lodge AF & AM.
Mary Ola transitioned this life on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. She leaves to
cherish her memories 4 children: John (Mary) Barber, Jr., Denise Kindred, Michael
Barber, Gwendolyn Barber all of Hattiesburg, MS; one sister: Gladys Thomas of
Chicago, IL; step brother: Irby drake; 2 sister-in-laws: Christine Thomas of
Hattiesburg, MS and Elizabeth Thomas of Huntsville, AL; a special cousin: Lucille
Bell; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grand; 5 great-great grand children & host of
nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her mother and father, her son Frederick Barber,
her husband John E. Barber, Sr., 6 brothers, 3 sisters, 7 step brothers and 3 step
sisters.