Barbara Marlena Young

Born on December 6, 1937 in St. Louis, MO, Barbara was the youngest of eight siblings.

Barbara settled down in Tampa, FL and married her husband, Jessie Dale Young. She was active in her community, her church, and her children's schools. Throughout her career, she touched many lives as a Teacher's Assistant at Miles Elementary, she worked as an employee at the University of South Florida Bookstore, and as an administrator at Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church from which she retired.

Devoted to her faith, Barbara's family was one of the first ten parishioners to found St. Mary Catholic Church in Lake Magdalene. During a brief move to Lake Jackson, TX their family home even served as the church's rectory.

As a lifetime lover of learning, Barbara was an avid reader and researcher. She enjoyed playing cards, playing the piano, and listening to music of all genres especially those with a Latin rhythm. In her youth, she loved to dance and occasionally entered competitions at Centro Asturiano in Ybor city.

At home she was known for the world's best bologna sandwiches and shoestring french fries, which occasionally came at the cost of a minor grease fire.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Jessie Dale Young; her daughters, Leesa Martin (Dave), Sherri Young (David), and Patricia Meredith (Michael); her grandchildren, Dave Raymond Jr. (CJ), Shannon Howell (Ryan), and Angelica "AJ" Meredith; and her great-grandchildren, Cate and Charlie Raymond. She is also survived by her dear sister, Juanita Paedae.

We love and miss you, Barb!

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the family home in Brooksville, FL.