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Obituary For Jethro Barber
Jethro Barber, '68 Merrick-Moore graduate, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faithful commitment to his family and friends.
Jethro married the love of his life in 1973 while starting his career in Richmond, Virginia. That decision marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on devotion, perseverance, and shared dreams. Even in those early years, building a legacy for his soon to be wife and family.
Jethro was never too busy to make us laugh. He loved to crack jokes and had a natural way of lightening the mood. His humor brought warmth into every room and comfort during difficult times. Whether it was a quick one-liner or playful teasing, his laughter was one of his greatest gifts to those around him.
At home, Jethro was the steady heart of his family. As a husband, he was loyal and devoted. As a father, he led by example, teaching the value of hard work, integrity, and staying true to one's word. Becoming a grandfather and later a great-grandfather filled him with pride and joy. He cherished watching his generations grow and found special happiness in sharing stories, wisdom, and plenty of jokes with them.
Jethro will be remembered for his faithful heart, and his joyful spirit. His life was defined not only by the love he gave and the laughter he shared. But also by his ability to be a great husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and much more showing integrity, charisma and strength.
He leaves behind a wealth of family and friends strengthened by his example and comforted by his countless memories. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in every smile he helped create, every shared laugh, and every life he touched.
Funeral Arrangements:
Funeral Service: Saturday, February 28, 2026 | Visitation: 1:00 pm | Funeral: 2:00 pm
Place of Service: Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 901 E F St, Butner, NC 27509
Interment: Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
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Neema Connor sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Jethro Barber - February 27, 2026
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Dianne and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Jethro. He would always greet you with a smile on his face. Stay strong and stay blessed! ❤️ Glenda
May God grant your family peace during this trying time. We love y'all.
Mr. Barber was a true gentleman and friend. He will be missed. May the loving memories you shared with him comfort you continually in the days ahead. Hollyene Turner, Ed.D. NCCIW School Principal
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May your family have the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
Love and Peace
To Diane and the Barber family, May God's peace and love surround you during this difficult time. So happy I got to spend time with Jethro at our class reunion. Jethro was our class treasure for several years. He made it possible for the class to have a great reunion. I thank you Jethro for all you did for the class of 68
Claudette Battle M.M of 68
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Please accept my heartfelt love, prayers, and condolences. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Barber at NCCIW. Jethro was a wonderful, caring, and humorous individual who always offered kind words and jokes that kept us all smiling. He will be deeply missed, and I wish we had more opportunities to share laughter, wisdom, and life lessons together. Rest in heavenly peace, my brother—may you suffer no more.
Prayers & condolences to Diane & the rest of the Barber family. He's gone but will remain with us in spirit.We know he was greatly loved.God will get you through this time of bereavement. We understand it won't be easy, but we know He's too wise to ever make a mistake. God bless you & the family. You are loved.
I remember the days we use play in "The Woods" doing high jumps, so much fun so many memories! Wanda and I send our sincere condolences to the Family. May Jethro rest in Glory!
To the family I will definitely keep you in my prayers. As a kid growing up with his son and his daughter well into our teenage and adult years. I looked up to this man because he was a proud father and a family man. That was something that I wanted in my life going on. Just to have that father figure in your home means a lot. Much respect to Mr. Barber, we love you!
To My family, My Condolences are with you Guys! Jethro will definitely be Missed Rest easy Big Cuzzo....
Mr. Barber loved his profession and shared that passion by teaching students. He touched many lives. I wish his family and friends peace in their time of sorrow.
Barber family, I am Douglas's father-in-Law (Teresa's dad, Earnest M Manuel Sr.). Very sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure he will be missed. This is all in the Great Master's plan. My wife has death in her family also. We all must look to the Master, and he will see us through it. All you guys are in our prayers.
Sending sincere condolences to the Barber family during a very difficult time. Praying for your family. Sincerely, Ruby A. Rich Osborn, Former Secretary at Merrick Moore High School
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barber family. You definitely have our sincerest condolences. Jeff's presence will definitely be missed- not just at all the sporting events we attended together through the years- but just knowing and having the privilege of his friendship. His memories will always keep him close to the family's hearts and minds. Diane and family know that we're feeling your pain and are here for you. Rest in Paradise Jeff. Sincerely, David & Regina Perry
As a member of the class of 1968, l honor the enduring legacy of our esteemed class mate. His presence enriched our lives, and he will be deeply missed. May his memory be a source of strength and eternal peace.
Sending my love, prayers and condolences to the Barber Family Mr. Barber was my friend and coworker at Ncciw.
Your ex coworker at NCCIW
The loss you feel today is profound, yet the story of his life does not end here. It continues in the countless lives he touched, in the values he demonstrated, and in the love he gave so freely. His journey was marked by compassion, resilience, and quiet strength. He faced life's challenges with grace and met its joys with a grateful heart.
His legacy is not measured only by accomplishments, but by moments — the comforting words he offered, the laughter he shared, the encouragement he gave when it was needed most. He had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Those who knew him will remember him not only for what he did, but for who he was — genuine, caring, and full of heart.
Though we grieve his absence, we honor him by carrying forward the kindness he showed, the love he modeled, and the integrity he lived by. His memory will continue to inspire strength in times of difficulty and gratitude in moments of joy. He will always be remembered with deep love and respect.
So sorry for your loss Prayers for Penny and family.
We deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your father, Jethro. We can't imagine how difficult this time must be for you and your family. Please know that you're in our thoughts, and we hope you're able to find comfort in the memories you shared with him and in the support of those around you. If there's anything you need or anything we can do to help lighten your load during this time, we're here for you.
Wishing you strength and peace, Cassie and Jerome Marez
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
