Mamie Ladora Barber Obituary

February 8, 1895 - July 1, 1980

Pastor: Jerry Benson officiating
             Bill Hulsey, obituary

"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life:
he who believes in me, thought he die, yet shall he live."
                                                                        John 11:25
"I heard a great voice from heaven saying, Behold the dwelling of God is with men, He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God Himself will be with them:  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
                                                                    Rev. 21:3, 4 R. S. V.

Before the turn of the century, Joe and Sally Stratton established their home in Kissimmee, Florida.  It was in 1895 that Sally gave birth to their second child.  They named her Mamie Ladora Stratton.  Mamie was the second of eleven children; the first of seven girls born to that union.

Mamie's early years were spent in the Kissimmee Community, attending school there.  In her High School years she attended the Girls Cathedral School in Orlando.  Because of her quick mind and quest for knowledge Mamie went on to attend the Massey Business College in Jacksonville.  Having completed that phase of her education, she found employment as a secretary in Bartow, Florida.  There she established a friendship with Ugenia Simmons Bowden that was to last the rest of her life.  These two fine ladies have neighbored in Peace and comraderie for some half century.

About 1911 Joe and Sally Stratton moved with their family to Finney Point in Kissimmee Park where they became acquainted with the Henry Barber family.  Henry and Belle had two boys named Josh and Joe.  These young men took a fancy to the two oldest daughters of their new neighbors, and after due process of courtship Joe married Ludy Stratton and Josh married Mamie.  Thus was begun a relationship that was to last until death did them part.

Following a tour of duty in the U. S. Army during World War I, Josh moved with his family to Okeechobee in 1920.

For some 60 years the Barber residence has been at 204 S. E. 4th Street.  It was here that Mamie gave birth to their four children -- Frank Barber of Bradenton, Florida; Donald Barber, a casualty of World War II; Betty Thompson of Merritt Isand, Florida; and Mike Barber of Okeechobee.  Mamie's first baby Jackie was born at Kissimmee in 1918 and died some year and a half later.  

It was those years as a homemaker (and all the other professions that fill the lot of a devoted mother and wife) that Mamie cherished the most.

Her life was devoted to the care and welfare of her family.  Her mind was clear and alert, her interests broad.  She continued to the last to receive a daily update through the media on politics, world conditions, social happenings and religious news.  In 1951 Aunt Mamie and Uncle Josh joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church where they remained faithful to their God, until the last.

Her love was unmeasured.  Her service was unstinting.  Here character was unstained.  We have lost a great lady.  May she rest in peace until we meet again.

Submitted by Judy Stewart Kroker on June 5, 2001.