Dorothy Nell Williams Barber

Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Nell Williams Barber will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Brian Rushing officiating. Service music will be provided by Rev. Jason Perault, Ms. Ginny Ruffin, Mrs. Sarah Jones, and Mrs. Shelley Thomas. Interment will follow at Chunky Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Dorothy Nell Williams Barber, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, passed away at her home on August 1, 2021, after a lengthy illness. She went peacefully into the arms of her Savior, surrounded by her family and caregivers.

Dot was born on March 11, 1938, in the Fellowship Community, in Jasper County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Roy Wesley Williams and Bessie LaBelle Brock Williams. She attended Hickory High School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1956. She was a cheerleader and member of the girls’ basketball team. She then went on to the Mississippi State College for Women, now MUW, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Elementary Education. She married Pat Brown Barber in 1960, and they made their home in Meridian. Dot taught school at Oakland Heights Elementary School until they started a family. After her kids were grown and she became an empty nester, Dot returned to teaching at Northeast Elementary School.

In 1961, Pat and Dot joined Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church. For 60 years, serving Christ through the ministries there was the center of her world. She taught Sunday School for over 40 years, which is as far back as church records are available. She was President of the WMU for many years, and served on a multitude of church committees. She was a faithful and loving friend to so many over the years, both young and old. Her life epitomized Christ-like service to those in need. Outside of her church service, Dot was active in her community. She was a member of the Meridian Jaycees, the Meridian Junior Auxiliary, the Athena Literary Club, and served as a host family for the Mississippi Junior Miss program. Dot was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan. She rarely missed a home football game, and was faithful to remain in the stadium through the end of every game, cheering for her Bulldogs regardless of the score. As sweet and loving as Dot was, it was still wise to tread carefully for a while if things didn’t go well for her Bulldogs.

Dot was preceded in death by her husband Pat, her parents Roy and Belle Williams, her brother George Brock Williams, Sr., son-in-law David Randal McCarty, and her brother-in-law David Randall Johnson.

Dot is survived by her daughters, Patricia Barber McCarty and Julie Barber Gressett (Dane). Grandchildren Erin Daye McCarty Bridges (Hunter), Catherine Elizabeth Bordelon, and Gage Garrett McCarty (Audrey); great-granddaughter Leighton Ensley Bridges; her sister Jan Williams Johnson; sister-in-law Dorothy Sibley Williams; brother-in-law Albert Langdon Barber. Nephews George Brock Williams, Jr. (Carol) and James Wesley Williams (Karen); nieces Sarah Johnson Jones (Derrick) and Shelley Johnson Thoms (Hank), and 9 great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Shan Collier, who took exceptional care of Dot, and who was a friend and comforter. Also, Charrisa Shirley and the staff at Home Instead, especially Ciara Evans, Demetrice Taylor, and Reiko Ferrill. The family would also like to thank Ricky Covington.

Pallbearers will be Gage McCarty, Kelly Watson, Derrick Jones, Hank Thoms, James Williams, and Ricky Covington.

The Barber family suggests memorials be made as donations to Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

The Barber family will receive guests from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to funeral rites at the church.