OPELOUSAS – Funeral service for Ms. Barbara Joseph will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, 1606 W. College Ave., Opelousas, LA. Interment will be held in the Garden of Memory Cemetery in Opelousas, LA.

Barbara received her new address in Heaven on February 24th, 2026. Being a devoted mother and a hard worker, Barbara was born the 5th oldest child on October 26, 1949 in Opelousas, LA. to Armstead Scott and Velma Freeman -Malveaux- Scott. Her parents preceded her in death in 1965 and her mother on August 8th, 1967. Being so young and losing her parents, Barbara felt lost and defeated, but she kept pressing. She kept moving and always succeeding.

Barbara graduated from JS Clark Senior High School in May of 1967. They were known as the Bulldogs as well as they were the last all African American graduating class of JS Clark High School. After graduation, she attended Opelousas Area Vocational School, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College and later earning a certification in cosmetology and finally her CNA certification. She was unstoppable. She later met and married Phillip Joseph and to that union one daughter Tanisha Joseph-Burnett was born.

Over the course of her lifetime, she acquired many nicknames from family, friends, and coworkers. Nicknames such as Bob., Aunt Barbara., Nannie, Barbara. Nannie, Precious., B Joseph. BJ. Barb. Ms, J, Lady Barbara. Mama B. Foxy B. Sunshine. Barbara J. Ms. Barbara. Ladybug. Auntie. And Lil Sis.

Barbara had two extended families. Saint Benedicts, The Abbott Catholic Church. Where she had been a member since 1977. There, she donated her time, talent and love. Barbara worked at Saint Benedict's from 1989 to 1997 and later transferred to the Archdiocese of Galveston, Houston, where she remained until October 30th, 2025.

Barbara was always a loyal and dedicated employee at the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. With over 35 years of employment, she accomplished many tasks as an administrative assistant. Going to work an hour and a half early each morning was not a challenge. For her, it was a goal and note that goal was always met. She completed more tasks in 1 1/2 hours time frame than most people could do in an 8 hour day. Her biggest accomplishment was. Helping to raise monies for the archdiocese campaigns such as Step for Students, which was her favorite. Barbara always enjoyed talking and interacting with Cardinal DiNardo. And long time friend. Former priest of Saint Benedict's. Arch- Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Emeritus, Many constituents, along with many friends and employees. That are more like family than anything else.

Barbara touched countless lives with wisdom, generosity and compassion. She was a blessing to so many people, especially single mothers with children. Rather, it was donating clothing or just simply purchasing school supplies.

Most of all, Barbara loved her daughter, Tanisha whom she and her were the most shopping, weekend buddies, and sleepover buddies that one could never imagine. and let’s not forget her son-in-law Archea ‘ (Shay), she said that no matter what Shay did he was the best at it, and she would make sure that he would take care of her.

Barbara is preceded in death. By her father, Armstead Scott, mother, Velma Freeman & #39;s brother Alfred Malveaux (Earlene) Sister Rose Ventress (Leroy) Brother L.C. Colligan Sr.(Eldria), Sister Betty Lazard, Time companion James Walker, who also preceded her in death. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Tanisha L Joseph Burnett (Archea’) Shay, one stepson Otis Bernard Brown. Step grandsons Cameron Brown and Paul White, Jr. and one step granddaughter Trinity White. All of Houston, TX. Willie May Scott of Lafayette, LA. 3 Goddaughters. And also her nieces Cheryl Thierry-Sam (Carl), Stacie Lazard White, and LaRose Thierry -Young (Jerome), Jennifer Colligan-Silverand, Linda Colligan, Brenda Colligan All of Opelousas, La. Nephews Oliver J. Thierry (Alice), Quinn (Latasha), and L.C. Colligan Jr. (Doleta) all of Opelousas, La. Steven Pritchett (Jaunita) and Freddie Malveaux (Danielle) both of Houston, Texas and three (3) wonderful adopted nieces, whom she took under her wing after the passing of their mother, Dr. Candace Jones-Thomas (Bryan), Carissa Jones-Bruce(Brandon), and Courtney Jones all of Houston, Texas.

Also survived by her ex-husband Philip E Joseph and sister-in-law Barbara James of Houston, TX (Mr. James family) Stepdaughter Bridget Turner. And one step granddaughter Ashley Turner and step grandson Quincy Jones of Houston, TX.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Community Chapel Church of God In Christ.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of final arrangements.