After dealing with a lengthy illness, the Lord stopped Barbara's pain and took her home. BARBARA LORRAINE W. OWENS was born on June 22, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland. The only child born to the late John A. Walker and Bessie G. Walker, Barbara was affectionately known to her friends as "Boo". It was during her youth that she received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Barbara was a lifelong member of Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church. At one time she was the Church Financial Secretary and was actively involved with the Seniors Cyper Program. In 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, the late Robert L. Owens. From this union, her loving and faithful daughter, Terra Lynn was born. Barbara grew up in the Sandtown Community in the 1000 block of Lafayette Avenue. She received her early education in the Baltimore City School Public System before continuing her education at the Cortez Peters Business School in 1956. She graduated in 1958 as the class valedictorian. Barbara's first full-time job was at the University of Maryland Hospital, and she was one of the first to be hired for the newly-formed Psychiatric Unit. She began working in February, 1959 at the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn as a stenographer where she received numerous awards and recognitions. Among them was the highest honored award given by the Social Security Administration - the Commissioner's Citation which she received in 1965. Rising through the ranks, she retired from Social Security Administration Metro West in December, 1986 as Chief of the General Administration Office of Central Records and Operations. After retiring, Barbara looked forward to the birth of her grandson, Kyron Tyrrell, whom she adored. She then devoted her time caring for him while volunteering at My Sister's Place, instructing at the Learning Bank in its Literacy Program, and ushering at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. An avid reader and writer who loved traveling and crocheting, she also enjoyed gardening and had quite a green thumb when it came to her flowers and plants. Barbara had a true passion for dancing and jazz. She learned to play the organ and became a member of the Maryland Organ Club while holding the position of Business Manager of the same organization from 1975 until 1977. Barbara attended the Diana Kane Modeling Studio and spent a great many years modeling throughout the state. Throughout Barbara's illness she received continuous support and care from her loving daughter, Terra; her faithful son-in-law, Lawrence Banton; her life- long friend, Bernice McWilliams; and a devoted friend, Mervin Somerville. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Terra L. Banton; son-in- law, Lawrence E. Banton; grandson, Kyron T. Banton; brother-in-law, William Jones; her cousins, Joseph Mason (Virgie), William Hams (Teresa), and Eileen Graves; longtime friend, Bernice McWilliams; and a host of other relatives and friends. Memorial Service Pennsylvania AME Zion Church Monday, July 13, 2015 10:00 AM Email Details 1128 PENNSYLVANIA AVE.
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