Obituary of Shelia P. Barber

Shelia Janet Pickens Barber, 58, of Norfolk, VA passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer. Shelia was born on March 12, 1962 in Cordele, GA (a place that she truly loved) to the late Deacon Johnnie and Thelma Pickens. She graduated from Crisp County High School and was a very proud member of the Class of 1980. Shelia attended Savannah State, where she met her husband of 35 years, Dwayne. She also attended Fort Valley State University for a short time. She was employed as a bookkeeper with Chandler Property Management for many years until her illness. She was an active member of the Norfolk Quettes and served as President for two terms. Shelia captured the hearts of all around her with her infectious smile and deep dimples. She loved to laugh and her keen sense of humor (that we are so sure she got from her dad) would bring laughter to those around her. She had a heart of gold and would jump to do for others without hesitation. It didn’t matter who you were or whence you came. If she had it, you had it. She loved the life that she lived and spoke often of her love, pride and joy for her daughter and her grandboys. Brittany, Derrick and Donald were a part of her daily conversations. Shelia so enjoyed selflessly sharing her energy with so many others. She often volunteered at Union Mission Shelter. She enjoyed planning the Quettes’ Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Program. She enjoyed shopping, shopping and more shopping. She also enjoyed event decorating and spending time in her hometown. She leaves to cherish fond memories, her loving husband, Renaldo, her devoted daughter, Brittany (Derrick) Lanier, Chesapeake, Va , daughter, Dwan Barber, Savannah, GA, Gigi’s grandboys, Derrick Jr and Donald, Chesapeake, VA, her sisters, Gloria Scurry, Crestview, FL, Shirley Pickens, Lincoln, NE, her brother, Andrew (Danielle) Pickens, Gauthier MS; her in-laws and countless other family and friends whom were blessed to know her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Thelma Pickens and her brother, Johnnie Pickens, Jr.