Barbara "Babsy" Ann Green

Barbara was born on July 17, 1939, in Silver City, in the Republic of Panama. Her birth was celebrated by her mother, Pearl Brathwaite, her grandparents, Icelda and James Brathwaite, and a large extended family of aunts and uncles. As the first-born grandchild, she was raised in her grandparents' home, where she was lovingly cherished and surrounded by family.

She attended Rainbow City High School, graduating in 1958 as a member of the honors class. Following her graduation, Barbara briefly worked at Coco Solo Hospital before immigrating to the United States in 1962 in search of greater opportunity.

Barbara first settled in Brooklyn, where she joined family and friends and began building her life in America. Deeply connected to her roots, she maintained close ties with her family in Panama often sending financial support. In the late 1960's Barbara sponsored her cousin Sheila, bringing her to the United States to live with her - an early reflection of her generosity and commitment to family.

Barbara was united in marriage with with Theodore Green on August 13, 1973. They had 2 children Antheo James and Himyo Eli. Barbara welcomed Teddy's nine previous children (Theodore Jr., Forrest, Linda, Sharon, Celeste, Lenore, Jackie, Thalia, and Marc) as her own.

Through perseverance and hard work, Barbara later purchased her first home in Brentwood Long Island, New York creating a foundation of stability and opportunity for her growing family. She often hosted parties, provided a place for Teddy's grandchildren to spend the summers, and served as a base of operations for her family from Panama like Aunts Phyra, Prudence and cousin Gregorio. In 1986 she relocated to Piscataway, where she continued raising her children and strengthening the life she had built.

Professionally, Barbara dedicated many years of service to the Equitable Life Insurance Company, where she worked until her retirement. Never one to remain idle, sh continued working afterward in the Financial Aid Department at Rutgers University, supporting students and contributing to their educational journeys. August 18, Barbara began practicing Nichiren Buddhism, a philosophy that became a guiding force in her life. Through her practice and the writings of Daisaku Ikeda, she embraced the belief that true fulfilment comes from inner strength, perseverance, and contributing to the happiness of others.

Those who knew Barbara remember a woman who spoke plainly, lived independently, and carried herself with quiet confidence. She often shared advice in her own unmistakable way, telling her children, "If you can't be good, be careful and if you can't be careful, don't name it after me." If was a line delivered with humor, but it reflected the honesty and wisdom that defined her character. Barbara's journey carried her from Panama to New York and New Jersey, touching many live along the way. Her final resting place is Controe, Texas, but the influence of her life continues far beyond any single place.

Barbara's life journey now continues through the children she raised, the grandchildren who carry her spirit forward, and the many memories that will remain with those who loved her. She is now united on Eagle Peak with her Love Theodore, Mother Pearl, Grandmother and Grandfather, Aunts Prudence, Phyra, and Gladys (Kitty), Uncles Elmo, Curley, and John, Daughter Lenore, and her TueDuce Patsy, Shirly, and Jeanette. As they all provide protection for her Sons Antheo (wife Denise of Conroe, Texas, Grandchildren Ke'Andre Annise, Antheo Okpara, Jelani Edwin-Zaker, Deniczia Lakara-Marie, and Azaane Eli) and Himyo of Los Angeles, California (granddaughter Eliana Madu-Mbizi). Teddy's eight other children, their spouses and children who call her "Grandma Babsy", a host of cousins, her God Daughter Nilka, and her SGI Soka Family.

From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a "long" and a "short" life. Therefore, it's not whether one's life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happy - that is what matters.

- Daisaku Ikeda

[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]