Barbara Diane Skinner

Barbara Diane Skinner departed this life on the morning of Sunday, December 10, 2023, rising at 5:39a.m. about the hour she did each morning but rising into the arms of God. Barbara was born to Magnolia Johnson and Thomas Skinner on February 17, 1957 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Barbara attended school in the NorfolkPublic Schools system. She attended the old Ruffner as well as Booker T. Washington High School.

Barbara was known for caring for others. In her younger years, she would care for elderly family members. Once she became a mother and homemaker, she helped care for the children of some of the families in the neighborhood. Once her only daughter became a mom, she helped to care for her grandchildren.

To truly know Barbara was to love her. She was a fun loving and kindhearted person who enjoyed gathering with friends and family and enjoyed good company. In her younger years she and her best friend were known for their 25 cent parties. Until her passing, she loved getting the family together to celebrate everything. She enjoyed just spending time with her children, grandchildren and close friends relaxing dancing, singing and listening to music.

Barbara was a true fighter all the way to the end. She fought and beat not only lung cancer but breast cancer as well.  She was a ten year survivor of lung cancer and year survivor of breast cancer. This  year she battled pneumonia several times but after having multiple strokes she has subcome to her illness.

Several loved ones preceded her in death including her mother, Magnolia Johnson and her grandson, Darren Dickens Sr.

Barbara leaves a legacy of memories in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her including her father, Thomas Skinner, brother, Rocky Arnold, her longtime companion and partner of over 40 years, Michael Brown Sr., her children, Darryl (Nicole), Shawn, Nicole, Antonio, stepsons Wally and Michael Jr., her grandchildren Aminah, Darryl, Elijah, Rayquan, Anika, Faith, Jasmine, Chandler and Da’Shawn, and several great grandchildren, including her little “Boom Boom”, the family’s newest addition, Amir. She also leaves to cherish her memory her sister/best friend, Gracie Gainer, of over 40 years as well as her godson, Mario.

Barbara carried so many titles. She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, companion and friend but most of all she was and is a child of God. To her children she was their queen, protector and hero. She was loved by so many and touched so many lives.

Cry not for me because I am with the Lord. Take comfort in knowing my life spent on earth was good and purposeful. God has said to me well done my good and faithful servant. I only ask that you all love on each other, forgive each other and most of all take care of each other. May God continue to order your steps as he did mine. I am and will always be in your heart. All is well with my soul. God bless you all!

Love always, Barbara