Robert E. Barbour

Burton Barber, Sr. and Mary “Gammy” Alice Ross Barber. On Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 11:05

p.m., the Lord called Robert home to close the family circle and celebrate with his family.

Robert discovered late in his adult life that his last name was misspelled from the Barbers, so he

changed his last name to match his legal name, although to many of his family, he was simply

known as “Toosie” instead of Robert.

Robert’s life journey began as the proud and humble baby of eight children born to Burton and

Mary. As a young boy, Robert was taught many of life's values. He attended Sunday school with

his siblings, and he learned from his mother that no matter what you do “Jesus Loves You”.

Robert received his education in the D.C. Public Schools and graduated from Dunbar Senior High

School in Northwest Washington, D.C. Robert was no stranger to hard work, which he learned from

his father. He began working at an early age alongside his father on the back of a truck. After

graduating from high school, he worked at the DC Post Office. However, Robert was best known

as a Cab Driver for Cardinal Cabs (#76). He knew the Washington area better than most people and

could direct you from DC all the way to upper New York. He also dabbled in being a Driving

Instructor. Robert really enjoyed meeting people, and he always had a story to tell.

Robert had many other talents. He later found passion in working with little children and assisted

with various activities with day care centers in the DC area. Robert also believed in helping his

siblings when called upon. He worked alongside his brother Richard providing limousine services

and helping with funeral driving activities at various funeral homes, including Johnson and Jenkins

Funeral Home on Kennedy Street in NW, DC. Robert also worked with his sister Mary performing

community services in the Florida Avenue area, and he managed a neighborhood store with his

sister Pearl.

Robert loved visiting with his family. Each week he would take his children to visit some family

member, be it an aunt/uncle or one of his cousins' families. He cherished his close association with

his nieces and nephews and he was well loved in return. He left them with great moments of

laughter, enjoyable conversation, and memorable stories to tell. Some of his pastime favorites were

watching his favorite football team (New York Giants) and playing cards, his favorite game being

Bid Whist. Robert also liked taking cruises and traveling with family and friends. He especially

loved to go to New York, where he would visit his aunts and party with his cousins. Robert loved

good food, especially salmon and cheesecake.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Burton Sr. and Mary; brothers, Joseph, Richard,

William, and Burton Jr.; along with his sisters Mary, Pearl, and Phyllis. Also preceding him in death

was his oldest son Robert “Robbie” Jr. Robert will be forever remembered by his surviving children

Nathanial Jerome (Sara), Gwendolyn, Jacqueline, and Emmanuel. He is also survived by extended

family Quelyn Thomas, Jacqueline Stanley (Aubrey), and George Hill; 14 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; several dear cousins and sisters-in-law; and a host of

nieces, nephews, and friends.