Barbara Washington

Obituary For Barbara Washington

Barbara Ann Washington, the fourth of 14 children born to the late John A. Miller and the late Essie Miller Larks, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Both of her parents insured that their children would have a strong foundation in Christ from an early age.

She obtained her education in the Harrisburg School District, graduating with honors from the former William Penn High School. She later went on to pursue her education as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She also was one of the first black females as a licensed practical nurse to graduate with honors and work at the Pennsylvania State Hospital. She then became employed at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Board of Appeals as a supervisor, from where she retired in 2008.

Barbara united into holy matrimony with Harold E. Clark of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from 1965 until 1975 and then married Gonzales from Prichard, Alabama.

She attended Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Holy Light Love Fellowship Church until she became ill.

Barbara known as “Barbie” to some, was a woman whose presence felt like the first warm day of spring—vibrant, inevitable and impossible to ignore. Her energy wasn’t loud or demanding; it was simply a overflowing light that seemed to catch on everyone she met when she walked into a room, the atmosphere shifted, not because she took up space, but because she offered so much of it to others. At the core of that radiance was a profound, unshakable foundation: she loved the Lord with every fiber of her being. Her faith wasn't just a part of her life; it was the rhythm of her heart. She moved through the world with a quiet grace, never seeking the spotlight but always illuminating the lives of others. Her kindness to others is a reflex, rooted in a genuine love that prioritizes the needs and feelings of those around her without expecting anything in return while she worked her magic.

Barbara was legendary for her food and especially her famous homemade yeast bread; the warm, comforting aroma of fresh bread was the centerpiece of every family gathering. Her kitchen was a place of worship, warmth and love, where she spent countless hours teaching her daughters and granddaughters that the best recipes always included a little faith and a lot of love. She was the true heart of her home, often found in the kitchen with Gospel music playing on the phone. She was a humble and generous person who exemplified pride in everything she did. Barbara was so full of grace and humility that she truly knew the real meaning of family, especially when it came to her 3 children. She loved so much and was called friend.

In the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025, Barbara Ann Washington gained her wings at the age of 79 years. She transitioned peacefully from this earthly life, into eternal rest at Silver Leaf Ridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with her daughter and grandchildren by her side.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond, Robert, George and William H. Eubanks and one sister, Dixie Lee Davis Barclift. Barbara leaves to cherish precious memories of her, her son, Brian Eugene Clark; her daughters, Lisa Ann Burnett (Octavius Burnett) and Priscilla Elizabeth Kelly; her stepchildren, Harold Clark, Jr. and Angel Johnson; her godchildren, Donnie Kirmen and Nicolett Ducan; her grandchildren, Tenieshia Burnett and Octavius Burnett, Jr., Christien and Alishia Kelly, Myrkle and Jamari Askew, Princess Morris, Brian, Jr. and Sarah Clark, Joy Jackson, Ruth Clark, Jacob and Noah Perry, Isaiah, Jayden and Arriana Clark, Tyllicka Burwell, Brianna Clark and Katana Staff; great-grandchildren, Krystal, Dallas and Joseph Strauser, Kenzo and Ariyah Burnett, Jarmaine and Ja’Miyah Burwell; her great great grandchildren, Rosalia and Bella Morris, Anira and Luka Pagan; her sisters, Leona Lewis, Stephanie Roy and Saundra Davis, all of Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Donna Walker (Roland) of Virginia; her brothers, Ricardo Davis (Sheila), Joseph Davis (Karen) and James Davis (Susan), all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; special aunts ,Betty McCoy, Mary Harper, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Bonnie Booker of Boston, MA and special uncle, Gary Miller of Harrisburg Pennsylvania; her golden girls, Carol Wallace and Pastor Carolyn Wallace; a host of other family members and great friends.

Her life will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2730 Booser Avenue, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12 Noon and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.

"Her life was a song of praise, and her love was our daily bread."