Doris E. Barbel

Sunrise: November 17, 1932

Sunset: June 28, 2020

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25

Doris E. Dennis Barbel was born in Brewersville, Liberia on November 17, 1932, through the union of Edna Lenora Dennis, the granddaughter of the late President William D. Coleman (13th president of the Republic of Liberia) and her husband. Upon her mother’s death, her British father returned to England while Doris remained with her maternal grandmother, the late Minister Annie Maria Coleman (AME Church). Due to an illness, her grandmother took her to live with her cousin, the late Honorable William E. Dennis Sr. and his then wife, Magdalene L. Cooper, who was a nurse. The mother of the Honorable William E. Dennis Sr., the late Cora Louise Freeman, along with the late Magdalene L. Cooper, nursed Doris back to excellent health. In the meantime, the Honorable William E. Dennis Sr. became so fond of Doris that he fell in love, claimed her as his first child and eventually adopted her.

She grew up in Liberia, West Africa and upon her father’s advice, later travelled to the United States of America to continue her college education. While in New York, she lived with her aunt the late Etta M. Coleman, wife of her late great uncle William David Coleman. During this time, she met her husband of 59 years, Charles Melvin Barbel I. She later returned to Liberia where she worked as the Personnel Manager at the Robertsfield International Airport of Liberia. Along with her husband, she managed two gift shops at the airport (R.I.A.), the Firestone Guest House and the Firestone Gulf Club. She loved to bake but her specialty was baking and decorating ceremonial cakes. She was highly respected and known in the community as a leader. She was a part of the Farmington Lioness Club of Liberia (Firestone Branch). She also served for many years as a member of the First Baptist Church.

Doris is known for her loving spirit and how she was always so self-sacrificing for others. She is known for her strength. People always commented about how strong she was. Her passion was gardening, melodious humming and singing with her natural alto tune. Her loving heart for people and appreciation of those who helped her along life’s path, gave her the spirit to care for many children. Her family was her life, and she lived for them.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents the Honorable William E. Dennis, Sr., Edna Lenora Dennis, her biological father, and Step-mother, Magdalene L. Cooper; only biological brother “Bushybang” (Nickname); grandmother Minister Annie Maria Coleman, Aunt Etta M. Coleman; oldest son Wesley Blake Gibson, sister Rae Wiles, nephew Louis Arthur Wiles, niece Brenda Bademosi.

She is survived by her husband Charles M. Barbel I; her children: Bernard Gibson (Karen), Edna Williams (Freddie), Jewel Powers (Alonzo), Charles Melvin (Sarah) Barbel II; Matthew Barbel (Lisa), Crystal Gibson (daughter-in-law), Joseph Mark, Lawrence Barbel, Elizabeth Cooper Zewey and Victoria Harris; grandchildren Charles Robert, Ashley, Christopher, Edna Jewel, Monica, Kimberly, Jamaal, Sean, Charles Melvin II, Limuel, Modestine, Alonzo Christian, Ethan, Wanyea, Roberta, Mabel, Melvina, Kotatus, Prince and Melvin; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers: Robert H. Dennis, J. Emery Dennis, Hilary A. Dennis, Freeman Ford Dennis, William E. Dennis, Jr. and V. Marbue Dennis; sisters: Rose Marie Dennis, Cora L. Dennis, Gloria V. Dennis and Sadia L. Dennis; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

Above everything, Doris loved God and was always humbled in knowing that He is her source of life. Doris believed that God is love. The love she always gave to others was so appreciatively returned back to her as she departed her temporary body. With all our hearts, we sincerely thank the many loved ones that were by Doris’ side during her last days on this Earth. May God bless you always.