Barbara Anne Leffall

Barbara Anne Leffall was born on the early morning of Christmas Day, December, 25, 1939; in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Roosevelt V. Hubbard Sr. and Lena M. Hubbard. Barbara was the second of six children born in this union.

In 1943 the Hubbard family relocated to Bremerton, Washington. In 1947 they settled in Seattle, Washington. The Hubbard family united with First A.M.E Church, where Barbara was baptized under the initial leadership of Rev. C. D. Toliver. Barbara was active in her church and accepted Christ at an early age.

Barbara attended Coleman elementary, Washington Jr. High and James A. Garfield graduating in 1957 with honors. She was very active in high school and received many achievement awards. Among her many talents, Barbara was a gifted violinist. She played in the All City High School and University of Washington Orchestras. In December 1957, Barbara received the honor of being named as a Rhinestone Debutant and was presented at the Annual Debutant Ball, escorted by her proud father, Roosevelt, Sr.

With the guidance of her mother and mentor Lena, Barbara continued to seek Higher Education goals. She attended the University of Washington receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, with a minor in English as well as her Washington State Teaching Certificate. In 1977, Barbara received her Master in Social Work Degree with honors.

From a previous union Barbara had two children, Eric Darryl and Angelina Estola Cherrly Holland. In 1969, Barbara met and later married her partner for life Alvin Leffall; who enhanced her life with his two additional children, Alvita and Arvel Leffall. Barbara and Alvin remained happily married for 41 years. They traveled everywhere together, never spending a night apart, even through her many hospitalizations. His dedication as a husband speaks to his faith and strength of character.

Barbara was one of the first African American Foster Home Licensor's and trainer of prospective foster parents in the State of Washington. She was an educator at Meany Middle School, Sharples Jr. High School and Franklin High School. Barbara enjoyed the challenges of teaching at the college level. Barbara was an English Instructor at the University of Washington and Seattle Central Community College.

During her tenure at the University of Washington, Barbara also taught Women Studies and African American Studies in the continuing education department.

In 1993, Mrs. Barbara Leffall retired as a social worker and educator from the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Children and Family Services in Seattle.

In retirement, Barbara volunteered many service hours to her community and church. She was co founder of the Lena M. Hubbard Guild benefiting Seattle’s Children Hospital and Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. Barbara faithfully served the Guild for 10 years holding the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and co chaired the Ways & Means committee. In concert with her fellow guild members, Barbara worked with great tenacity raising over $180,000 for the Uncompensated Care Fund. On May 17, 2008, Barbara received the Guild’s only Excellence award for her exemplary contributions, commitment and dedication to the mission of Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Barbara was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Seattle Alumni Chapter, University Women’s Club, National Association of Social Worker’s, American Business Women, Rebakah Chapter #17, Order of the Eastern Star, Mt. Rainier Chapter # 1 and the NAACP.

Barbara was a faithful member of Mission Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev Abraham Harris, Jr. participating in many church activities with efforts benefiting this ministry.

Barbara was called to rest on August 17, 2010, with her family surrounding her. She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, her husband, Alvin Leffall, son Eric Darryl Holland and wife Regina, daughter Angelina Estola Cherrly Clark and husband Raymond, daughter Alvita N. Barber and husband Lenward, son Arvel Leffall, God children Bergen and Nicole Hauge, sister and confidant Lady R. Henderson and husband Rev. Clarence Henderson, Brother Roosevelt Hubbard Jr. and wife Carolyn, sister Beverly J. Dekker, (husband Paul proceeded in death) , sister Billie Virginia Hubbard and brother Donald Hubbard (proceeded in death). Sisters and brothers in law included Ida Leffall, Marjorie Hughes, Viola Thompson, Cleveland Leffall, Raymond Leffall and wife Shirlee and Nathaniel Leffall Jr. (preceded in death).

Barbara was blessed with 12 grandchildren who she loved and took pride in spending time with, Alvine’ Miles, Allante’ Miles, Eryka Holland, Anise Leffall, Marquis Miles, Marcel Wilson, Jordan Eric Holland, Gerald Hatfield IV, Arvel Leffall, Jourdan McCoy, Aaron Leffall, and Ashton Leffall. 5 great grand children warmed her life, Marquis, Reniya, Teaire, Ke’Lina and Ty. In addition to her immediate family a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends across the United States will miss her and relish the time we’ve all spent having her as part of our lives.