Barbara Edmonds

Obituary For Barbara Edmonds

Barbara Ann Edmonds, daughter of the late Leroy R. Edmonds and the late Mary M. Steele Edmonds, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Barbara received her formal education through the Harrisburg School District, proudly graduating from William Penn High School in 1961. Her professional journey led her through various roles before she found her perfect fit at Hershey Foods, where she excelled as a key punch operator until her retirement in 1985. Throughout her life, Barbara remained deeply connected to her community. For 10 years, she served as Co-Chair of the Harrisburg Uptown Reunion Committee, helping organize yearly gatherings that kept longtime friends and neighbors connected to their shared roots. The reunion was always the highlight of the summer for all who attended.

For over five decades, Barbara faithfully served as a member of The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she embraced her calling in the hospitality ministry. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel truly seen and valued, crafting welcome messages that were as unique as they were heartfelt. Barbara’s greetings were more than introductions, they were experiences. She infused them with humor, warmth, and personal touches that made each one unforgettable, leaving people not just welcomed, but uplifted, entertained, and inspired. In her later years, she transitioned her membership to CRM Ministries Church 120, where she continued to share her warm spirit and welcoming heart until her health prevented her from attending.

Barbara was a vibrant force of nature who lit up every room she entered. With her big personality and unfiltered charm, she could strike up a conversation with anyone and keep them captivated for hours, whether on the phone or face-to-face. She simply loved to connect with people. Although she steered clear of the kitchen for everyday cooking, she had a special talent for making homemade fudge, which became a sought-after family favorite.

Barbara lived life on her own terms, turning ordinary moments into something unforgettable. She moved through the world with a fearless kind of joy, never just following a rhythm but creating her own. Whether adding her signature twist to a tale or lighting up the dance floor when the music called to her, she embraced every moment with passion, energy, and a spirit that was completely and unapologetically her. She had a competitive streak when it came to trivia, relishing those moments when she could prove she was right, and she never met a shopping trip she didn't enjoy. Above all, Barbara was fiercely devoted to her family, supporting them through everything with unwavering love and encouragement, ensuring that her legacy would be one of joy, laughter, and the kind of unconditional support that makes all the difference in the world.

In the days leading up to her passing, Barbara was lovingly surrounded by her closest family members, who shared precious moments, offering comfort and companionship. Then, in the early hours of Friday, May 30th, 2025, with her daughter holding her hand, Barbara peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest at Amoroso Woodridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sons, Kevin Edmonds and Duane Edmonds; her sister, Rochelle Edmonds Arp and her cousins, who were like sisters, Karen Byrd, Vivian Mantle, and Sylvia Turner.

She leaves to celebrate her life, her loving daughter, Clarice 'Reecie' Cox (Kenneth); her niece, Lisa Fulton; her granddaughters, Taietta Venable (Shawn Burton), Chelsea Cox, and Jaquala Venable; her great-nephew, Dana Fulton; her great-grandchildren, Dawaun Venable, Nevaeh Harris, Layani Anderson, Kah'lani Burton, Amaya Venable, Kylee Venable, Levi Venable; her granddog, Dakota; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Barbara's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.