R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN

Obituary For Barbara Chaney

Barbara Lee Chaney was born Barbara Louise Moone to Louise Elizabeth and Lonnie Moone in Chicago, IL. Her older brother, Lawrence McVey Jr. simply adored his baby sister. A bright student, she attended Corpus Christi Catholic School for elementary and Fenger High School (class of 1954) both located in Chicago. She attended one-year of college at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Growing up her mother believed she should have access to every possible activity that would make for a well-rounded young lady. She played the clarinet but perfected the piano. After attending Sunday Mass, she would often play piano for a neighborhood Baptist church. But it was her enrollment in classical ballet classes at age 7 with the Mildred B. Haessler Ballet Group that would change her life. She loved all things theatrical, but her passion for the art of dance was palpable. She mastered classical ballet, modern, tap, and African dance, but ballet was her favorite. In 1960 she married Richard Allen Lee and they had one child, Terri Frances Lee (Freeman). After a brief respite from dance she founded Barbara’s School of Dance (BSOD) in the early 1960s. Wanting to make sure Black children in Chicago had the opportunity to experience classical ballet, BSOD taught modern dance as well but each student was required to obtain a foundation in classical ballet. In June of each year she would end the dance year with a “show.” It was distinguished from a dance recital because she would perform a full-length ballet followed by a modern dance performance (Modern Moods) that ended with her solo performance of Open Our Eyes by The Gospel Clefs. BSOD operated in Chicago until 1976 and exposed hundreds of Black children to classical ballet. She moved the dance school to Detroit after marrying Mr. Richard Latimore in 1975. She disbanded the school in 1979. Other hobbies included bowling, playing bridge, and reading. Professionally, she was an outstanding administrative and executive assistant. She began her clerical career working for the Chicago Urban League. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Chicago, she served as his secretary during his visit. In 1967, she became one of the early group of African Americans hired by IBM. She worked for the technology giant for 19 years. After leaving IBM in Detroit, MI, she joined the staff of the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders’ Society working in the Development Department. She adored working at the Museum and relished walking through the myriad galleries during her lunch hour. It was at the Detroit Institute of the Arts where she met Mr. Luther Wayne Chaney. They fell in love and married in 1989. He preceded her in death in 2008. In 1999 Barbara and Wayne relocated to Columbia, MD outside Baltimore to live near her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Once relocated she joined the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of American Art, again working in the Development Department. She retired from the Museum in 2004 and became a full-time grandmother (aka their personal taxi!). In 2014 when her daughter Terri relocated to Memphis, TN, she decided to join the family. Having never lived in the South she was skeptical but came to love her time in the Mid-South. She was an active volunteer with the National Civil Rights Museum, working in the Museum Shop three days a week. And she joined the Orange Mound Senior Center as a tap instructor at the age of 80! Barbara Lee Chaney had a zest for life. She never met a stranger. People were drawn to her caring and bubbly personality and her beautiful smile. She lived her life, truly believing the quote “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” She is survived by her daughter, Terri Lee Freeman (Dr. Bowyer G. Freeman); three granddaughters Corryn Grace Freeman (Wilner Baptiste), Camille Louise Freeman, and Carmen Katherine Freeman; and three great-grandchildren Xander Bowyer Baptiste, Zora Elita Baptiste and Nour Lee Baptiste. Rest well Mommie, we love you and you will be missed!

In lieu of flowers please send contributions in Memoriam of Mrs. Barbara Lee Chaney, to: Orange Mound Senior Center, Booster Club, 2590 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38114 ATTN: Director,

Memorial Service: August 14, 2020 at 10:00 AM at RS Lewis and Sons Funeral Home Chapel- 2944 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38118. Services will be live streamed.

Guest Book

To Terri and the Freeman family, peace, love and blessings to you. My deepest condolences to you. Sister Chaney always had a beautiful smile and kind words to say. I know she will truly be missed. Rest on my sister. From Debra Armstrong Baker

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Dear Terri and family, Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know; but, her memoryand her legacy of love will always be with you. I am praying that the love of Dear Terri and family, Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know; but, her memory and her legacy of love will always be with you. I am praying that the love of God will surround and sustain you and give you peace as you grieve the loss of your Mother. Ida Wright

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To Terri and the Freeman family, my family and I send our deepest condolences. Sis. Chaney was a beautiful soul. She will be truly missed. May she rest in peace. God has added another beautiful flower to his garden. Remember to keep your hands in God 's hands and HE will see you through. Peace and Blessings to you all. Deacon Vernita Williams and Family.

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Dear Terri and the Freeman Family, Aunt Barbara's beautiful smile, memorable laugh, kind words and advise will always be in my heart. Through her illness, I never heard a single complaint. She was always positive and so happy to share her family news and hear about ours, which is why I know so much about you! Also, my parents remained friends with Aunt Barbara and Wayne until they passed. What a blessing it was to be a part of BSOD every Saturday in Chicago. Aunt Barbara was a great teacher and dancer. We danced to "Oh Happy Day" by Edwin Hawkins at the Black Expo in Chicago. It made me feel like we were a part of something special. Thank you Aunt Barbara. Rest in Peace! Freeman Family, you're in my prayers. Love, Susan Douglas

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Dear Terri, I just heard about my "sister" and I am broken hearted. I wish I were close to you so I could hug you and share with you my very special love and respect for one of the most influential people in my life. Love, Aunt Dee (Dolores Yancey)

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To Terri and family, it was a great pleasure and a beautiful honor to spend time with Mrs. Chaney on the 30th of July. What a remarkable time, truly missed. love you Harry Wallace.

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Dear Terri, Sending to you and your family my heartfelt sympathy and condolences on the passing of your wonderful mom. I was happy to take ballet at Barbara Moone Lee School of Dance when I was a little girl and for many years thereafter. I enjoyed my Saturdays at the school and loved the recitals. Your mom truly and positively impacted my life. I will remember her fondly, always. You and your family were blessed to have Barbara as a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. Keeping you in thoughts & prayers. Our God is a comforter. Love, Marian E. Perkins

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You will be greatly missed Aunt Barbara. As a little girl, I loved when you would come visit with mommy. Your smile and personality just lit up a room. Thank you for bringing me the joy of dance. Thank you for believing in me so I believed I could. Memories with BSOD are some of the best memories of my life. Rest in Heaven. Love you.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN