Barbara F. Britton

Britton ~ He called her name, and she answered.

 Barbara’s Journey 

Barbara Faye always said, “We are on a journey, walking down life’s lane, we cannot step out of line, and we cannot change places with anyone. You keep up the march until you are finished, and your name is called.” Barbara heard that call Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Barbara, (Faye, as she was affectionally called by close friends and family members) transitioned to another journey.  Hopefully, she met up with family members who has marched on before her ~ parents, Walter, Sr. and Cearria Britton; sisters, Martha Britton, Mildred Britton, Carnette Britton (who died in infancy), Paris Bryer, Catherine Young, Elnora Twyne, Charlese Booker, Milease Wells, Marva Britton Pinkney; brother, Walter Britton, Jr.

A time to be Born.

Barbara Faye was born January 5, 1947, bringing up the rear of fifteen children in Blackshear, Georgia. This would be her home for the next eighteen years.

A time to Learn.

Lee Street School was Barbara’s first learning experience, attending elementary and graduating high school in May of 1965. Upon high school graduation, Barbara entered Fort Valley State College where she earned her degree in Business Administration.

A time to seek God.

Religious learning was a part of Barbara’s life from her early childhood.  At a young age, she joined Greater St. James African Methodist Church in Blackshear, Georgia. Religious studies would be a part of her life until her illness prevented her physical presence in church.

A time to move on.

With college behind her and a degree in her purse, Barbara left home to see the world.  She set her sights on Jacksonville, Florida where she landed her first job with Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance. After some lapse of time, Barbara decided Jacksonville was not big enough for her thoughts and talents, so off to Chicago she flew.  No job, just a thirst for more, and ‘more’ she found.  Bankers Life and Causality Insurance Company opened their doors and heart to Barbara and provided employment for the next ten years.

A time for Love.

A new career was not all that Barbara was seeking in Chicago. Her future husband had already moved there and shortly upon her arrival they wed. There were no children from this union that lasted twelve years; however, their joint love of pets provided a home for Lady (a female canine) of which Barbara gained sole custody.

Upon satisfying her eagerness with big city life, Barbara returned to Jacksonville and began another career with AT&T.  Barbara was relocated to New Jersey and after several years of employment and accepting a buyout from AT&T, it led her to Jacksonville Housing Authority, where she remained until her health forced her into early retirement.

A time for Motherhood

When God created woman to mother the young, He did not say, “One of your kind, please”. While Barbara never gave birth to human babies, this did not hinder her parenting skills. Her veterinarian once told her that if he were to be reincarnated, he wanted to come back as her cat or dog. She was affectionally known as the “Cat Lady” in her neighborhood.  Her love of animals stretched far back to her childhood days. During a recent stay at a rehab center, Barbara was able to persuade the center to permit the family to bring Bella (her dog) in for a visit. Bella was able to visit Barbara once again at Baptist Medical Hospice Center.

A time for Transition

After a long illness, Barbara could no longer fight the debilitating disease of Sarcoidosis. Barbara leaves behind three sisters, Mamie Turner of Blackshear, GA, Charlotte Simpson of Blackshear, GA, Billye Britton (Clyde Rivers) of Woodstock, GA; one brother, Carl Britton (Mary) of Monroe, GA. There are too many nephews and nieces to name individually; however, these special family members have gone beyond the call of duty, remaining in touch with Barbara constantly. They called her, made her laugh, kept her informed.  Nicholas and Steve Wells were especially dedicated in seeing to her needs. Steve straightening out her pc when she pushed the wrong buttons and Nick being her own “Tool time Tim” making necessary house repairs.

Barbara’s failing health eventually called for Caregivers to assist in her care.  Natasha Wells, Mildred Fox, Mechalene Lindsay and Regina Dozier have been a dedicated presence in Barbara’s home for almost a year. The family is most grateful for their undaunted dedication.

Memorial service for Mrs. Barbara Faye Britton will be 11:00AM Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Mr. Ararat Baptist Church.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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