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Obituary For Barbara S. Keller
Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery Friday, March 10, 2023 Arrive by 8:15 a.m. Interment at 9 a.m.
Services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Alfred Street Baptist Church 301 S. Alfred St Alexandria, VA 22314
Viewing: 10AM Funeral: 11AM In lieu of flowers we request that contributions go to the Department of Missions at Alfred Street Baptist Church.
On January 20, 2023, Barbara Lucille La Ha Patterson Sparks-Keller, 90, of Badin, North Carolina, found rest in the Arms of the Almighty.
Barbara, affectionately known as the "Hat Lady" or simply, "Barbara Keller", was born on August 3, 1932, becoming number 11 out of 13. Barbara was proud to have never missed a day at West Badin High School. For one year, Barbara attended Shaw University before studying at Kate Bitting Memorial Hospital.
In the 1950's, Barbara moved to Alexandria, VA and gave birth to her only child, Ellanor Jean Sparks in 1958.
Her career as a nurse was a historic one being the first Black woman to work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), being the first Black nurse at Navy Hospital in Bethesda, MD, and being one of the first Black school nurses in the newly integrated Alexandria Public School system, working at Francis C. Hammond Middle School for 35 years.
Even after retirement, Barbara still remained committed to serving others, acting as a caretaker, resource, and friend in times of need.
For over 60 years, Barbara was a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and Missionary. She worked with the Homeless Outreach, the Family Bereavement Ministry, Helping Hands, Pastor's Aid, and was a Lay Leader. With Deacon William Willis, Barbara began the program to deliver Christmas baskets to families in the community, taking money out of her own pocket to ensure families had a happy holiday. She also was a member of Psalms of Praise, attending choir practice regularly.
Her mission to God was recognized with numerous accolades, including her service as President of the Virginia Baptist Convention between 1989 - 1991, where she also received the Prestigious President's Award in 2011. In 2022, Barbara was recognized as being a "Pillar of the Church" by Rev. Howard John Wesley.
Barbara was an avid traveler with her "posse" (you know who you are), visiting every continent besides Antarctica. Her first mission trip for the Lord was to Jerusalem with Rev. John O. Peterson. As the president of the Baptist General Convention, she visited 125 churches all over Virginia, representing the Lord. Her travels with Lott Carey led her to be recognized as Woman of the Year in 2017.
Her love of sports took her around the country- visiting 32 stadiums across the United States. Beginning in 1988, Barbara started having her world- renowned Super Bowl parties that still are happening today.
Barbara was an avid reader. Every morning, she would go outside to grab her copy of The Washington Post, read her Bible, and sit in her favorite chair with her beloved Roxy by her feet. One of her favorite activities was sitting down to do a puzzle (for the last few years, she limited herself to a 300-piece count). Every night, Barbara would watch CNN ( especially Anderson Cooper) to put herself to sleep.
As a generous giver, Barbara left a legacy on all who knew her. The best advice she gave her daughter was to accept every prayer because you never know what prayer enters God's ears first. She prayed for us, and started us on our way.
Barbara now peacefully awaits in Heaven when she will be reunited with her beloved survivors Ellanor Peck (daughter), John Peck (son-in-law), Anna Peck (granddaughter), Johnathan Peck (grandson), Cozzetta Thomas (sister), Lois P. Dixon (sister), Jennifer & Nadia Berry (goddaughters), Terry Patterson (sister-n-law), and numerous members and friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Lipscomb Patterson, and husband, Sgt. Otis Keller.
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Hanh Nguyen planted 5 trees in memory of Barbara S. Keller . - January 31, 2023
My sincere sympathy to the family, Barbara was my aunts Goddaughter.Being from Badin I knew her all my life. she is now with her Mother, father and other relative's. My prayers to the remaining family members. Zollie Mae BrooksSullivan
To Foxy and John, our former neighbors, we wish you heartfelt condolences and much love. We remember mom as being a loving and devoted friend to her family and her many, many friends. She always made us feel so warm as she welcomed us into your home. May God continue to bless and keep you during this difficult time. Cynthia and William 'Dino' Gordon West Palm Beach, Florida
Betty jean kale Anthony Mcclendon Condolences to the family of Barbara s Patterson- keller. I was one of her classmates from 3rd through the 8th grade. I have fond memories of my friends from badin, nc
I always have fond memories of my former classmates at west badin school. My father like Most was employed by Alcoa during the world war 2 that began dec7, 1941. My deepest condolences to the family.i attended school there from 3rd through 8th grades.
My fondest memory is when Barbara called me to invite me to her Super Bowl party. She asked if I knew the rule. I replied "No" She said "You come, fix your plate and leave." I asked if I could fix a plate for my brother who was waiting in the car. Barbara said "No, tell him to come and fix his own plate." She then asked us to stay awhile. She broke her own rule. RIP Barbara. Love Margaret Wiggins
Ms. Barbara Keller was loved by many as a dedicated servant of God and the neighbor you could always count on to lend a nursing hand. I fondly remember several times after my father's stroke before calling the ambulance she would tell us to go get Barbara Keller. Ms. Barbara was like a mother to the younger people in the neighborhood. Whenever I went to visit it was not to see Eleanor or John but Ma Barbara. Believe it or not she knew the names of my 9 brothers and sisters and always asked,"how your brothers and sisters". During the last couple of years I tried to stay in touch with regular phone calls. The last time I called she did not answer. I could feel in my heart that she was not well. Everytime she saw me she would say,"Hi Baby", that made me feel so special from the time I was an child until I grew into a senior adult. The way she said, "Hi Baby" was like her saying, "I love you Gwennie Pig" which immediately put a smile on my face and I felt loved.
My memory of Ms. Barbara occurred when I began serving as "nurse of the service" at Alfred Street. It was my first day and she knew I was nervous not knowing what to expect. She was kind and took the time to talk with me. We talked about being nurses and she calmed my nerves by simply saying" I am here to help you even though I have not served in this capacity for some time. You will always recognize me because I am always wearing a hat." On behalf of the Rapha Ministry, we extend our heartfelt condolences. Ms. Barbara, may you sing with the angels as you light up the heavens with that beautiful smile. Helen A. Jenkins (President of Rapha Ministry).
My dear Foxy, may you be comforted as you & family members cherish the amazing memories of Deacon Barbara Keller. She lived a life of Grace and beauty as a Missionary & Deacon. She let her life shine when she stepped out in her elegant hats. She will certainly forever live in my heart. In His Love, Gilbretta Jill Ashton-Jones
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
