Frances Barrett

Frances Braswell Barrett, 92, of Portsmouth, VA passed on Saturday, March 4, 2017. She was born on March 27, 1924 to the late Marion and Mattie Braswell in Tarboro, NC. She attended public schools and later married her childhood sweetheart, Jesse L. Barrett. They moved to Newport News and later relocated to Portsmouth, VA. She worked briefly at Norfolk Naval Shipyard during the Korean War while Jesse was in the war. They lived a beautiful life together and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until his passing. She was a dedicated and faithful member of Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA where she served on many auxiliaries and ministries including: The Senior Choir, C H Jordan Crusaders Ministry, Trustee's Spouses Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Kindergarten Transportation Driver, Decorating Committee Chair, Woman's Day Committee Chair, Missionary Society Ministry, Pastoral Selection Committee, Music Minister Selection Committee, Feeding the Hungry Program, The Prayer Band and any other way she could be helpful to others. She was a faithful wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a friend to everyone she met. She was very influential in the lives of neighborhood children and adults and her life mission was devoted to helping those in need. She always tried to be kind, considerate, loving and forgiving. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her passions were Music and Flowers. While we all know she could sing, she was also a master gardener. Her lawn was often the most meticulous in her block and would often capture the attention of drivers who would stop to comment on how beautiful it was. She loved singing songs of praise to God with a melodious voice that only He could have gifted her with. Frances accompanied Pastor C H Jordan on numerous local television channel appearances and performed musical selections in support of his ministry. She was trained by Mr. Henry Branch in the art of singing "Hymns and Anthems" of praise. We can all envision that she is singing praises to our God right now and rejoicing in all of His Glory. " She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Jesse L Barrett, four brothers; Andrew, Marion, David and James Braswell and four sisters; Christine Freeman, Mattie Nickelson, Martha Brown and Alvania Braswell. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Lashley; son-in-law, George Lashley; Grandchildren, Christa Lashley, Brent Lashley & wife Susie Lashley; three Great-Grandchildren, Jacob Lashley, Koa Lashley & Nyves Lashley; Brother-in- Law, Thomas Brown; Sister-in-Law, Lula Brown; three God-Children, Angela K. Hatcher, Ethel Lou Broadnax & Arnold Hall; Special cousin, Iris Braswell and a host of other relatives and friends.

Frances Barrett

March 27, 1924 - March 4, 2017