Percy Alfonso Barrow was born in Belize, April 12, 1924. He was born to Edward Barrow and Malvina Mapp Barrow, he was the eight child of nine. By age twelve both of his parents had died and he found himself living from family to family. He was 98 years old at his passing.
At seventeen, Percy traveled to the Republic of Panama where he did not know anyone, but was seeking to find an opportunity for a better life. After a few years, he met and married Ortence Elease Jones, who preceded him in death after 61 years of marriage, in 2013. During their marriage they had three children; Pamela, Lorna and Eduardo. While in Panama, Percy worked at the electric company, Fuerza Y Luz. To advance his knowledge and skills, Percy took correspondence courses. He was very involved in the community; with the education of his children, as a business owner and as a member of Rio Bajo Methodist Church, before moving to Stockton, California in 1970.
While living in Stockton, Percy worked for Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) for over 25 years. During this time, he returned to school and graduated from Delta Community College and Stanislaus State University, where he received a Bachelors in Education. He was able to encourage and motivate many young people and their families to value the opportunity an education would provide. He was also very involved at Ebenezer AME Church and the community. He had a passion for helping others, especially those that needed a helping hand to face their present life challenges.
While working for SUSD his love for mankind led him to his work at San Joaquin Juvenile Hall, opening and running various Group Homes and finally he opened up the Barrow Foundation. Under the blanket of the Foundation, he was able to serve the Community for over 25 years. While working as its leader, he was able to assist students with their education by giving out scholarships. He set up a Food Bank to feed anyone who was hungry. He also fed their souls by having a Bible Study at the facility.
Since Percy was a boy he was always concerned about those who were being squeezed by life. Although he himself was beaten up by life, he did not let it hold him down. He continued to fight for those who found themselves voiceless. In his march to help others, he even had his family not eat grapes or lettuce. He was concerned for Stockton so much that he became the president of the NAACP and then the president of the AARP. Percy was many things but most of all he was a CHILD OF GOD.
Percy is survived by his sister Leoni Barrow in Los Angeles, daughters Pamela Barrow and Lorna (Reginald) Knight, son Eduardo (Alberta) Barrow, grandchildren Erica Knight, Jeremiah Knight, Genesis Barrow, Mahalia (Abdoulaye) Sidibe, and McKenzie Barrow, and a number of nephews and nieces all over the world. He is also mourned by many friends. He considered Hershey Johnson an Honorary brother and Louie Bynoe and Adam Kohlman as Honorary sons. Those that preceded him in death were his honorary brothers; Joe Burnham, Joe Irving and Joe McGee. He was preceded in death by his 7 brothers and sisters.
A special thank you goes out to all of his caretakers as well as those who supported his vision of the Barrow Foundation.
