Betty Renshaw Barber

Betty Louise Renshaw Barber was born in Shannon, Mississippi on September 3, 1927, to P. C. and Lillian Renshaw. After graduating valedictorian from Shannon High School, she went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi College, and later a Master of Arts from Mississippi University for Women. She taught at the preschool level for several years, and eventually, she was able to pass her experiences on to others by teaching preschool teachers. She also taught preschool education for a number of years at Mississippi College. Betty had a huge heart for the Lord and served as a Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church. She was very active in praying for, supporting, and visiting those involved in mission work, and she also made several mission trips with her husband. Betty was dedicated to serving God and loving others and often prayed that God would use her gifts for His glory.Whether she was writing a note to a family member or speaking with a store clerk she met in passing, she made it a point to constantly remind those around her how much God loved them. Betty was just as active in showing God’s love as she was in talking about it—she was an overflow of encouragement, support, and kindness. She often ended conversations and letters by saying, “God loves you, and so do I.”

Betty married Joseph Henry Barber, Jr. on December 23, 1950. They were married for 61 years. She survived her husband by slightly over a year, and then followed him home on her eighty-sixth birthday. She is survived by their three children, Beth Barber Kaiser (Richmond, VA), Beverly Barber Raddin (Clinton, MS), and Joe Henry Barber (Gate City, VA); and son-in-law David Raddin and daughter-in-law Reba Finch Barber. Survivors also include seven grandchildren: Taylor Willis Pedigo and husband Jeff; Olivia Willis Graugnard and husband Jack; Arthur Willis; EJ Kaiser; and Kathryn, Callie, and Meredith Barber. Her great-grandchildren are Mike, Jane Louise, and William Graugnard; and Mikayla Kaiser. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Memomma.

On the morning of her last birthday, Betty mentioned to a friend how wonderful it would be to be called her home on her birthday. She went to be with Jesus later that night, September 3, 2013. Though the loss was unexpected, she told family members just prior to her passing that if the Lord was ready, so was she, and He granted her last birthday wish.

The visitation will take place in First Baptist Church of Clinton’s sanctuary at 9:00 A.M., Friday morning, September 6. A service will follow at 11:00 A.M. Betty will be buried in Harperville, Mississippi. Pallbearers are Arthur Willis, David Raddin, Jack Graugnard, Jeff Pedigo, and Charlie Raddin. Honorary pallbearer is John Sidney Barber. Memorials can be made Mississippi College. “God loves you, Memomma, and so do we.”