Barbara Louise Baltimore

into eternal rest. Barbara was born May 13, 1941 to the late Hattie Mae Freeman

and Harvey Garland Freeman in Washington, DC. Barbara attended District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), graduating from McKinley Technical Senior High.

She met the love of her life, the late George (Sonny) Hamilton Baltimore while they were both working at the J. W. Marriott’s Hot Shoppes. They were married in September 1962. From this union, they had three daughters, Tracy Ann, Tonya Maria, and Kemi Alea.

Throughout her life, Barbara’s entrepreneurial spirit was always present. She always sought to learn new skills to better herself and she worked to instill that in her children. In the 1970’s, she dabbled in modeling which ignited her love of fashion. She established her first business venture as the owner of a children’s clothing store in Washington DC. Years later, she pursued and received a cosmetology license fueled by her love of doing hair. Later, she went to school to get her Realtors license, subsequently owning and managing multiple properties in DC with her husband for many years. She was also a gifted seamstress and loved making clothes for her family and friends. Beyond all of her business and creative ventures, she also maintained a long-standing career in local and federal government, ultimately retiring from DC’s Department of Rehabilitative Services after more than 20 years of service.

Barbara always had an adventurous spirit and boundless energy. She loved playing sports as a child and enjoyed watching tennis (especially Venus and Serena) and football (The Washington Football Team). A deep lover of music, she always had music playing in the house, especially Stevie Wonder, Al Green and D.C.’s own Marvin Gaye. She could always be seen dancing, letting out a hearty laugh, and saying, “that’s my jam, turn that up!”

Barbara loved entertaining her family and friends at her home. She was a proud homemaker, always renovating, and decorating. She also enjoyed traveling and taking road trips.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Connie Diggs, her brothers “Buddy” and Emory Freeman.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters, Tracy Manning (Courtney); Tonya McLaughlin (Brian); and Kemi Husbands (partner Ron). Six grandchildren: Donald and Danielle Durant, Leron and Layla Husbands, Lennox and Devyn McLaughlin. Former foster children, Shawn and Shawntae’. Two sisters-in-law, Peggy Fleming (James-deceased) and Deborah Freeman (Emory-deceased). One brother-in-law, Herbert Baltimore (Pat). A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and lifelong friends.

Let’s all rejoice in a life well-lived. Rest in Paradise, Barbara.