Barbara Jean Meriweather

Barbara Jean Meriweather was born on July 8, 1939 to Robert "QB" Smith and Naomi Ingrum at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the second eldest of six children. Barbara Jean attended grade school at Cote Brilliante Elementary. As a child, Barbara Jean loved riding bikes and was a bonafide tomboy. She could be found climbing fences and falling out of trees. After her 8th grade graduation, she attended Sumner High School and graduated in 1958. Driven by her passion for drawing, she attended art school for a short time. As a teenager, she decided to visit Williams Temple in St. Louis, Missouri to poke fun at Christians worshiping and speaking in tongues. Little did she know, that very same day, she would find herself worshiping and dedicating her life to Jesus Christ. Barbara Jean began walk with the Lord at New Bethesda Temple in St. Louis under the direction of Pastor Sarah Caroll where she served in ministry for over 20 years.

On November 10, 1959, Barbara Jean married the late Frank Meriweather from Little Rock, Arkansas. To this union, they had 5 wonderful children. She later joined Christ Community Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop William L. Harper. She served as a missionary, Sunday school teacher, and church mother. Barbara Jean lived a Godly example in both her words and deeds. Unafraid to be who God created her to be, she lived life authentically and wholeheartedly. This was evident in her response to anyone who would chastise her with, "Jean, God don't like ugly." She would quickly respond, "Well, He ain't too fond of pretty either." Blessed with her quick wit, resourcefulness, and the extraordinary favor of God, she made sacrifices and laid a Godly foundation for her family. Her children and grandchildren received a Godly heritage because she left behind a Godly legacy.

Barbara Jean entered into heaven on October 2, 2019 to be with Jesus, the one whom her soul loved. We rejoice for her reunion with her mother, Naomi, father, Frank, beloved grandson, Christopher Meriweather, brothers, Cornell Ellis (Debbie), Bradford Ellis (Judy), and Jeffrey Ellis (Marsha), along with other family and friends.

Barbara Jean's legacy is honored by her children; Robin Hayes (Robert), Janet Davis (Brian), Lisa Hollins (Guan), Floyd Meriweather (Ronda), Tracy Hall (Jason); grandchildren; Tamala Starks (Kevin), Courtney Foster, Brandan Foster (Roneisha), Bryan Foster (Pennie), Megan Ballentine, Connor Meriweather, Caleb Meriweather, Croix Meriweather; siblings; Levander Smith (Otharine), Beverly "Peppie" Barsh; 32 great-grandchildren, two uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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