Barbara Primrose Better

On January 27, 2025, Barbara Jean Primrose Better passed away after a brief, yet courageous, battle with cancer. Born on October 14, 1940, Barbara Jean was the third child of Edna Felecia Evans Better and Charles Leroy Better. She grew up on "C" Street in Southeast D.C. alongside her siblings, Yvonne (Wendy) Better (deceased); Charlotte (Yankee) Better Harrison (deceased); Franklin Leroy Better (deceased); Robert Edmund (Pinkey) Better (deceased); Brenda Better Howell Watts; and Gayle Better Primrose.

Barbara Jean was a proud graduate of Cardozo High School in 1959, where she excelled as editor of the school newsletter and was a member of the honor roll. Upon graduation, she made the selfless decision to enter the workforce to help support her younger siblings. Throughout her life, she exhibited an unwavering devotion to her family and loved ones, as well as her community. Barbara Jean was a union member and representative during her work at local Safeway and Grand Union grocery stores. After obtaining her Paralegal certification, she entered the U.S. federal government and worked at several agencies. She retired from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Citizenship Services in 2006, where she served as an Immigration Officer. She was very proud of her work to help people obtain their U.S. citizenship.

In 1960, Barbara Jean married William Franklin Primrose, and together they raised three beautiful daughters: Edna Felecia Primrose, Patricia Elaine Primrose, and Wanda Primrose Coates. Barbara Jean’s love for her children and her eleven grandchildren,—Jason Michael Primrose; Stephen Primrose Coates; Gerald Thomas Coates, Jr.; Felesia Nicole Primrose-Hutton; Krystle Faye Fink; Gayle Barbara Hutton; Christina Ashley Coates; Jennifer Helen Coates; Michael Calvin Coates; Danielle Elizabeth Coates; and Alissa Nicole Coates; and two great grandchildren, Ava Grace Primrose and Kinsley Rose Fink—was immeasurable. She was also a beloved companion to her three dogs, who brought her joy and comfort.

Barbara Jean’s love of travel took her to many countries, with Aruba and Trinidad holding a special place in her heart.

She is survived by:

• Her daughters, Edna, Patricia, and Wanda, and their partners Gregory Ing, Paul Coates, and Stanley Meyers.

• Her eleven grandchildren, Jason, Stephen, Gerald, Felesia, Krystle, Gayle, Christina, Jennifer, Michael, Danielle, and Alissa.

• Her two great grandchildren, Ava and Kinsley.

• Her two sisters, Brenda Better Howell Watts, and Gayle Better Primrose.

• A host of family and friends.

Barbara Jean will be remembered for her deep love, kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and avid knowledge of history. Her spirit and legacy will live on through those who were blessed to know and love her.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting consideration of a donation in memory of Barbara Better to the following health care providers that provided exceptional, compassionate care and support to her and the family:

Delaware Hospice Center

100 Patriots Way

Milford, DE 19963

Donate - Delaware Hospice

Bayhealth Cancer Institute

640 South State St.

Dover, DE 19901

Bayhealth Cancer Institute | Bayhealth

Rest in peace, Barbara Jean. You will be missed but never forgotten.