Ollie Rose (Barry) Baber

She was called home on August 10, 2026, in Kent Washington. Ollie was raised in a very supportive and loving family in Steens, Mississippi.

Ollie attended Military Chapel Elementary School a one room school, built behind Military Chapel United Methodist Church, Steens, MS. where she was taught by her mother. She then attended Union Academy Junior and High School where she graduated. She then attended Mary Holmes Junior College, then went to Rust College obtaining her teaching Certification, to obtain her Washington State Teaching certification she had to take classes at the University of Washington.

Her first teaching job was in Komo Mississippi, there she met and married a young soldier, Albert Baber. They moved to Fort Knox Kentucky where they had two children, Steve and Valeria. In 1962 Ollie and the children moved to Seattle WA, while Albert was deployed to Korea. With her Washington State Certification, she became employed with the Seattle School District and taught at Cooper Elementary school, grades 1 through 3 in West Seattle. During the early 1960’s she often was the only black teacher on staff in nearly every building assignment she was given. She was one of the early cadres of Black teachers and educators breaking the racial color barrier of the Seattle Public Schools. She remained at Cooper elementary until her retirement after 26+ years of service to students and parents.

Ollie enjoyed immensely domestic travel, her passport just expired, she wanted her children to experience air, sea, and train travel for life experiences. Including visiting major cities of America from the East to West coast. Her children felt like they were always on some sort of teacher’s field trip. Her hobbies included sewing, coin collecting, and being a member of the Central Area Senior Citizen Center and aggressively playing Bid Whist. She enjoyed various Casino outings with friends, playing Bingo and Bowling. She was on many bowling teams and received numerous bowling awards and trophies.

Early on Ollie was baptized at Military Chapel United Methodist Church in Steens Mississippi. Her membership was transferred to Grace United Methodist Church in Seattle WA. Where she supported the church and its ministries for decades. She was quiet, determined and a firm and faithful daughter of God all the days of her life.

Ollie Baber was preceded in death by her former husband, Albert Baber; her brothers, Billy and Otis Barry and sister Elnora Barry Floyd.

She leaves behind cherished memories with her sister Barbara (late Willie) Kennedy of Moss Point, MS and sister-in-law — Arleen Barry of El Paso, TX. She is also survived by her children — Reverend Dr. Steve Baber (Kasandra) of Kent WA and Valeria Baber of Seattle WA. Additionally, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating the life and legacy of our loved one. Your kindness has brought comfort to our family, and your support has helped carry us through a difficult season. We are deeply grateful for every call, every embrace, and every act of compassion shared in honor of our loved one. May blessings return to you abundantly. A special thank you to Bellevue Evergreen Hospice Care for the support and comfort during our loved one’s passing.