Lillie Ruth Barber

Lillie Ruth Barber passed away on December 18, 2024 in Live Oaks, Texas at the age of 104. She was born in Conyers, Georgia on October 17, 1920 to Earnest and Bessie Jackson. In her early 20s, she left Georgia to explore new opportunities in Cleveland, Ohio. She worked as a personal chef, cooking delightful dishes and was known for her chicken a la king, beef bourguignon and sweet potato pie. It was in Cleveland where she met the love of her life, Robert Stanley Barber, whom she married on June 19, 1956. She and Robert were wonderful parents to their daughter, Cheryl, until he tragically died in a car crash. As a single parent, Lillie returned to work to pay for her daughter’s private school tuition so that her daughter could realize her dream of becoming a lawyer. Years later, Lillie proudly got to watch her daughter receive her law degree.

Those who met Lillie often described her as feisty, independent, strong, interesting, kind, and generous with her time and love. When she wasn’t traveling or spending time with family and friends, Lillie often spent time reading. She was a voracious reader - reading the daily newspaper and books by Danielle Steel. She was a great conversationalist and could entertain many with her engaging stories about her adventures and life in general.

At the age of 75, Lillie moved to Houston, Texas to be closer to her daughter and grandson, Robert. She was more than “granny”, she was like a second mother to her grandson. At 95, she eventually transitioned to a nursing home. She was a long term resident of Advanced Rehabilitation of Live Oak where she became friends with the staff and residents. She was one of the oldest residents, but she was always one to speak up, and praised staff when they did a good job. Lillie will be missed; she was one of a kind.

She was precedented by her late husband Robert; parents Earnest and Bessie Jackson; brothers Earnest Jackson and Thomas Jackson; sisters, Lillian Jackson , Martha Bryant, Mattie Hammond and Arrie Robinson; nieces Delores Palmer and Diane Miller and nephews Willie Jackson, Traci Jackson, Maurice Miller and great nephew Lester Demond Lackey.

She leaves behind her daughter, Cheryl ( former son in law John Weinberg); grandson, Robert; nephews, Herbert Jackson , Anthony Jackson, Ricky Miller; nieces, Georgette Shy (Jacinto), Beverly Bryant, Constance Lackey (Lester), Colise Anderson ( James), Belicia Spearman, Florence Miller (Gilbert) and Rochelle Miller ; great nieces and nephews, Renita, James, Jacinto Jr, Steven, Alexis, Brandy, and Dezaria; many great great nieces and nephews, and close friend Alan Myrtle.