Barbara Hudspeth's Obituary
Barbara is the third youngest of all of Pansey and Harold Watkins' twelve children.
Barbara was born on Jan, 3, 1936 in Detroit Michigan. She spent her youth in Detroit where she met and married Carl Slater. They had two children, Carletta and Sandra (Sandy). In 1959 Barbara graduated from the Flemming College of Beauty.
After the marriage dissolved, Barbara met Chester Hudspeth. They were married in Oklahoma City, OK in 1961 where Chester Hudspeth Jr. (Pookie) was born. The family moved into military housing in San Diego, CA in 1962. In 1963 they moved to the military housing complex in Coronado, CA. In 1964 Mark Hudspeth was born.
Barbara was a stay-at-home mother. She used her beauty college skills to earn money doing the hair of many black women who lived in the complex. In 1966, after praying for a steady job, Barbara was hired as a food service worker at the Amphibious Base in Coronado. She also worked at Coronado's Navy Exchange till she retired in 2000.
Barbara really enjoyed her retirement, as she spent much time with grandchildren, going to the casinos, and listening to music (Aretha Franklin and the Temptations). She loved cooking barbeque with friends/family, going to church events, and watching the soap operas. Barbara liked to entertain people with her jokes and humorous remarks.
She was also interested in astronomy and said if she could, she would take a trip in space.
Barbara was a strong, fun-loving, and generous person. She opened her home and her kitchen to those who were in temporary need of shelter and food.
Barbara is survived by her sister Joyce Bradley, her brother Wilbert Watkins, her children Carletta Edwards and Mark Hudspeth. She is also survived by (grandchildren), {great grandchildren}, [great-great grandchildren], other relatives, and extended family.
Carletta (Cliff Jr. {Khadesha, Khalid; Colette, {Ava, Tyrone Jr} Craig). Mark (Isaiah, Anthony, Amelia). Sandy (Alex Wiley, IV) {Ashley, [Addison, Asiya] Alex Wiley, V [Alex Wiley VI], Amar, Amani, Amarion, Alexis}. Pookie ( Alan {AlaSaundra}, Brandon {Tre' Mon}, Brittany {A' mya, l'arie, l'anna}). Extended family includes Cliff Edwards, Sr., Alex Wiley, III, Freddy Davis Jr., and Karen Smittick.
Barbara leaves her family and friends with the wealth of love and fond memories.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?
