Dorothy Lene Barber

Dorothy Lene Savage Barber was born on September 3, 1932 in White Cliffs, Arkansas as the second youngest child to Benjamin and Gracie Savage. Dorothy was extremely close to and had several siblings: Dotson, Sam, Christine, James, Evelyn, an unnamed Savage baby boy who died at birth in 1931, and Price. She was the last surviving member of her entire immediate family. Dorothy moved from Arkansas to Minnesota. She then met and married Ruddell Barber in 1952, starting their family in Minneapolis with Randy (died in 2008), a deceased baby boy who died at birth in 1954, and Mikel. The family then relocated to Dallas and had Doris, Ricky (died in 2003), Carolyn and Kennedy. After Ruddell passed away in 1966, Dorothy and her 6 children relocated to North Minneapolis and soon afterwards she met and began a love affair with David Edwards and they had 2 children, Bradley and Angel. Dorothy and her family were raised as Southern Baptists in Arkansas. However, she never forced religion on any of her children but instead instilled the tools for them to embark on their own faith journeys. Dorothy is the Barber family's matriarch and her children and grandchildren consider her to be their constant rock and cornerstone. Dorothy was a bit of a tomboy while growing up, she loved climbing trees as well as playing sports. She was an avid sports fan of basketball, football, but especially baseball and she was a huge Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. She supported all Minnesota sports teams. Dorothy loved many genres of music including Gospel, Soul, Funk, Blues and R&B. Back in the day she had her favorite songs that her children are all too familiar with, but she absolutely wore out "You and I" by Rick James to the point that none of them want to hear it again😀. Growing up Dorothy sang in the church choir and she also taught both Randy and Mikel how to play the guitar. Her love of music was passed down to her children in the form of either singing, dancing or playing instruments. Dorothy was very comical, especially during the later stage of her life because she was completely unfiltered, saying whatever she wanted and at times she would even laugh at herself. (This comical trait of Dorothy's was inherited by her children too.) Dorothy had an infectious smile and glorious spirit and she was such a beautiful, joy-filled, unconditionally loving, compassionate, generous and extremely forgiving person who was extremely blessed with long life to the age of 93. Family was always extremely important to Dorothy and that is the reason why she had such a big one. Dorothy raised 8 children, several grandchildren and 4 foster children, as well as being an amazing extended Mother to the friends of her children. Although Dorothy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016, she still had her joy, grace, faith, wit, charm, stubbornness, nosiness and feistiness to the end. Her entire family truly love, adore, cherish and miss her very much. Dorothy is survived by her 6 children, Mikel, Doris, Carolyn, Kennedy, Bradley (Tonya) and Angel along with dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends and loved ones. On November 8, 2025 Dorothy transitioned on to heaven having fulfilled her life's purpose which is being a Mother to many. Dorothy's legacy of persistent triumph in overcoming hard times, her faith in God, instilling family values, amazing strength, integrity, wisdom and long life should be carried on by her children and grandchildren as an homage to her life.

Tributes

Dorothy Lene Barber

September 3, 1932 - November 8, 2025

Tributes

Dorothy Lene Barber

September 3, 1932 - November 8, 2025

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