Mary Goss Barber
1930 - 2026
ORLANDO, FL — Mary Goss Barber, beloved matriarch, devoted woman of faith, and pillar of the Lake Sunset community, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026.
Born September 18, 1930, in Milner, Georgia, to Tommie and Lillie Maude Goss, Mary was raised in the segregated South, where she developed the strength, discipline, and faith that would define her life. She graduated as Salutatorian of her high school class before marrying Willie B. Barber in 1949 and relocating to Orlando in the early 1950s.
Mary built a life rooted in service, family, and excellence. She worked for over 20 years as a Pharmacy Technician at Sunland Hospital and later spent more than two decades in retail leadership, including 15 years as a respected Store Manager at OshKosh B’Gosh. Known for her integrity and mentorship, she was a guiding, motherly presence to many.
A lifelong member of Carter Tabernacle CME Church for over 70 years, Mary served faithfully in multiple ministries and lived her faith daily.
She was deeply committed to education and family, taking great pride in her daughters and grandchildren, all of whom reflect the values she instilled—faith, discipline, and perseverance. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she taught to always put love, loyalty, and support first.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willie B. Barber, and her siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory eight daughters: Shirley Barber; Vivien (Eddie) Hughley; Linda Barber; Katherine (Mike) Nobles; Deloris (Vernard) Batson; Dr. Gloria Barber; Jacqueline King; and Dr. Valecia Barber; Five grandchildren: Nikki (Russell) Wiggins, Courtney (Shakara) Barber, Brandon King, Shayla (Joseph) Arana, and Chelsea Batson; Five great-grandchildren: Taurian Clark, Chasity Barber, Cameron Barber, Gabriella Arana, and Noella Arana; two sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and all whose lives she touched.
Mary Goss Barber’s life was a testament to faith, strength, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised and the countless lives she influenced.
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