Barbara M. Brookins was born on June 2, 1944, in Tallassee, Alabama to the late Lessie M. Chatman and Willie Davis.  She was the eldest of four. Barbara was raised in Tallassee, Alabama and grew up in a home that valued faith, family and education. She received her education through the Tallapoosa County School System and an Associate Degree of Business Administration from Bay State College, where she developed a strong foundation that would guide her throughout life.

Barbara came to Boston in 1962. She was known for her strong funds account management skills at State Street Bank, Pell Rudman and Bank of America. She was a mentor to many throughout the Northeast Region. She made a significant and enduring contribution to the individuals she served and her colleagues.

Barbara loved the Lord and ministering to God's people. She was a prayer warrior!! One of her most used gifts was connecting with people. Her love for God and bringing others to the Lord was felt through her prayers, teaching and working to make sure your commitment was real and that you understood the importance of working and helping others to build a strong foundation to carry you through difficult and happy times. She was a leader and pillar at Fellowship Christian Church until her passing. She leaves a legacy of love and connection. She previously attended Shawmut Community Church of God and Jubilee Christian Church.

Barbara loved the theater and she organized numerous bus trips to New York for over 15 years. She loved attending bible study, praying with others, gospel music, cooking for her family and friends, as well as volunteering her time at Freedom House, especially during the Annual Champions of Freedom Gala. Above all, she cherished her family and the time spent with loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lessie M. Chatman and Willie Davis and her brother, Charles Thrift. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her sisters: Cynthia Crenshaw-Fisher, Loretta Crenshaw-Young, and Olivia H. Terrell (Richard H. Gittens, Jr), and her brothers; Earnest Earl Buckhanon (Marjorie Buckhanon), and Willie Eugene Crenshaw.

Her nieces and nephews: Cheryl Brown, Erika Polite, Eric Scott, Jasmine Serling, Melissa Skipper, Chauncey, Chris, Jaxson, Lucas, Tony, and Tyler Thrift; Eric Terrell, Sr. and Ritchie D. Terrell. Her grandnephew, Eric Don Terrell Jr, whom she affectionately called "her pumpkin". Her spiritual daughter, Tracey D. Jarrett. Godchildren; Aaron Guerrier, Aaron Carle, Austin Perkins, Briana West, Corey, Darius, Elizabeth, and Taylah Peterson, Roy and Tahisha Davidson. Her spiritual granddaughter, Malika Jarrett. Her spiritual children; Charleen Brantley and Katrina Shaw. Her Pastors, Dexter & Kendra Jenkins and Phillip & Ingrid Tucker.

She had a host of extended family and special friends that she loved individually and collectively, and they loved her in their special way!

Barbara's life was a testament to faith, love, resilience, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the:

American Cancer Society, Attention: Lisa Labadini, P.O. Box 1170, Framingham, MA 01701 in her memory.