07/31/2026
Patricia “Pat” Ann Barber was born in Washington, D.C., to the late Ulas Grant Jacobs and
Lossie W. Jacobs. Her family later moved to Clinton, North Carolina, where she attended
primary and secondary school alongside her brother, Charles Jacobs. She went on to earn a
degree in social work from Fayetteville State College and began her professional life as a social
worker in New York City before moving to California.
In California, Pat earned her Master of Arts degree in special education from Sonoma State
University. She devoted more than thirty years to serving students in the Vallejo City Unified
School District, including at Franklin Middle School, Vallejo High School and Jesse Bethel High
School. Her love for teaching continued after retirement when she taught life skills at Vallejo
Adult School.
Pat was deeply committed to service, community, and the well-being of children. She was active
with Meals on Wheels, Greater Vallejo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, and
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Kappa Beta Omega Chapter. She also led the
Shade Project at St. Catherine of Siena School, ensuring children would not have to sit in the hot
sun while eating lunch. Beyond her service, Pat enjoyed listening to music, gardening, painting,
traveling, and spending time with her beloved grandsons.
Family was central to Pat’s life. She shared 57 years of marriage with her loving husband,
Johnnie B. Barber, Jr. Together, they raised...
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