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Obituary For Charles J. Barber, Sr.
Visitation will be February 21, 2026
Greene Funeral Home 814 Franklin Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Visitation: 12:00pm to 2pm
Interment will be a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Command Sergeant Major Charles Jenkins Barber, Sr., U.S. Army (Retired), a proud U.S. Army veteran and a pillar of strength and kindness, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at the age of 94.
He was born on September 23, 1931, in Waynesboro, Georgia, to John Wesley Barber, Sr. and Laura Mae Young Barber. He was raised in Pompano, Florida, where his family relocated during his early childhood.
Charles enlisted in the United States Army on December 8, 1948, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned more than 28 years. He retired on June 30, 1976, having attained the Army’s highest enlisted rank, Command Sergeant Major (E-9). In 1951, while stationed at Fort Jackson, Charles met the love of his life, Odessa Laura Bossard Barber. They married in 1953 and shared more than 38 years together, during which they welcomed two children.
Preceding Charles in death are his beloved wife, Odessa Laura Bossard Barber; his father, John Wesley Barber, Sr.; his mother, Laura Mae Young Barber Hall; his stepfather, Collis Hall; and eight cherished siblings: Cozetta Barber Russell, Marie Barber Hall, John Wesley Barber, Jr., Lenward Barber, Hestella Evelyn Barber, Arthur Barber, Marion Sylvester Barber, and Robert Lee Barber.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving son, Charles J. Barber, Jr., and devoted daughter, Cassandra Jo Barber, both of Bowie, Maryland; sisters-in-law Mary Alice Johnson Barber of Tamarac, Florida, and Mary Ann Barber of Taylor, Michigan; brother-in-law Elder Rayfield Showers of Coconut Creek, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whom he loved deeply.
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Nick Leventis planted 5 trees in memory of Charles J. Barber, Sr. . - February 21, 2026
Maria khorsandi planted 5 trees in memory of Charles J. Barber, Sr. . - February 21, 2026
CHRISTOPHER C FULLER sent Traditional Floor Basket for Charles J. Barber, Sr. - February 19, 2026
My dearest Chuck and Cassie my prayers are with you. I will always love you and Uncle Charlie. Gloria Russell-Grant
May God comfort the Barber family and give them peace during this time of bereavement. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
My sincere love and condolences to Cassie and Chuck. We will certainly miss Uncle Charles. May God bless and comfort you during this season
Your cousin, Phil
Sending prayers for peace and comfort 🙏
May God comfort you, Charles and Cassie, during this difficult time. We are praying that His grace and peace rest upon you all of your days as memories begin to flood your minds. Your parents were great friends to our family and are truly missed. It was while we were stationed in Germany in the late 60s that Charles Jr. tried to teach me how to play chess, but we really knew each other before that. Friendship and love that lasts decade is very special. Blessings to you all. Bedra
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Bro. Charles Barber Sr.
Ted Manning To: GFHVA@Verizon.net · Thu, Feb 19 at 11:30 PM Message Body From The Pine Grove Community Baptist Church, Ridgeway S.C. and The Manning family;
We offer our deepest sympathy during this difficult time for the Barber family. We will always remember his visits to our Church and joining us online for Sunday school and Bible study and how Bro. Barber helped us reorganize our church and did all our legal work as we fought to leave an organization. He gave his whole heart and candid advice to us in his own way, (Churck Barber"s) tone. A great Man of God and family member and may he rest in peace from all his hard labor on this side.
Respectfully, Dea. Theodore (Ted) Manning, Chairman of Deacon Board Pine Grove Community Baptist Church, Ridgeway S.C.
My prayers and condolences to Chuck and Cassie Jo, during your time of bereavement. I love you ~Blessings ❤️ Vanessa Russell
Condolences to the Barber family from the Manning family n Pine Grove Community Baptist Church. Mr Barber was very instrumental in the development of our worship center. We will always be thankful to God for sending him our way. May the peace of God be with you during this difficult period.
My prayers and condolences to Cassie and Chuck. Love you! Your 1st Cousin Shari Ann
To Cassie, your brother, and the rest of the Barber family, while I never got to meet your father, he was such an amazing and accomplished man. I do remember you telling warm memories about your travels with him as a dedicated father and in support of his service in the military. May he rest in peace, and job well done. I pray that the Peace of God follows and protects you and your family during this difficult time. Know that you were loved, and God Bless you and your family. Your friend, Linda Jackson
Charles J. Barber, Sr. was a great supporter of my outreach ministry. He attended our Outreach breakfasts and was truly concerned about the loss, the least and the marginalized citizens. He assisted those who were in prison. He often mentioned that his favorite hymn was A Mighty Fortress is our God. He was a mighty warrior in the Army of the Lord and for his Country. Well Done! Your legacy will live on in the lives of the people you touched in the Faith Community and beyond. - Rev. Dr. Velma Smith
On behalf of our family, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers as we remember our beloved uncle — our mother's brother — who served this nation honorably as a Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army.
With love and respect,
The Russell Family of Pompano Beach, FL
Charles J Barber Sr is my great uncle on his wifes side . My grandfather the late Rev. Emerson Grover Bossard), is his wife Odessa Bossard- Barber. I send my sympathy to his children and other family members I love Uncle Charles . I was close to my uncle , eventhough I haven't see him often , but I do remember the time I did spend with him and his beloved wife . The only sibling of my grandfather I Met... I have enjoyed our conversations, and the things you have share with Me. Eventhough this hurts my heart , take your rest now. You lived a full life. I love you and you will always remain in my heart. I will see you again.
Lots of love, Christina M. Bossard
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
