Barbara Jean Prothro was born on February 9, 1935 to Robert and Hazel Marie Borders in Pine Bluff, AR. Her parents; sisters, Verdie Johnson, Ola Davis, Hattie Borders and Orlanda Banks; brother, Floyd Borders; son, Gregory Lang and grandson Casey Cuffie preceded her in death.
Barbara and her family moved to St. Louis when she was a young child. She attended Jefferson and Henry Elementary Schools and graduated from Vashon High School.
Barbara was united in Holy Matrimony to Lionel Lang in 1952. Lionel preceded her in death. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Alonzo Prothro in 1956.
Barbara worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 38 years and retired in 1992. She was a postal union leader in several capacities at the local and national level. She was also devoted to her community and served various community organizations.
Barbara loved God with all her heart and soul. She was a charter member of Christ Temple Family Church, where she served faithfully until her health failed. She was one of the Mothers of the church and she served as a member of the Communion Committee, Food Service Department, the “God is Doing it Again” Building Fund Committee and the “Heart to Heart” Women’s Ministry. There was no doubt about how much she loved her church and her Pastor, Bishop Shannon. Her favorite saying during morning worship was, “Lord, help my Pastor.”
Barbara made her transition from this life on Sunday, March 30 at 2 am. She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: Three sons, Gordon (Adrienne) Lang, Willie Prothro Sr., and Lesley Williams; five daughters, Gizel Prothro, Michelle (Chauncey) Gilbert, Rochelle Prothro, Joan Williams and Sharman (Emile) Williams; two brothers, Randall (Neil) Borders and Donald (Sheila) Borders; three sisters, Bobbie (Willie) Davis of Phoenix, AZ, Janice Bradley and Evelyn (Bruce) Redding; 34 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren; special daughter, Cherry Cuffie; special friends, Audrey and Paul Lee, Elsie Freeman, Col. Everett Page, Shirley Harrison, Sam Anderson, Nancy Kold and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks to CNAs Shenese Jefferson and Caroline Howard.
