Barbara Anne Blackburn was born November 9, 1928 in Columbus, OH. She passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 in Xenia, OH, after a short stay in a rehabilitation facility. On January 17, 1948, Barbara was joined in holy matrimony with Kenneth Edward Blackburn. To this union were born two children, Kenneth lI, and Pamela.

Barbara was the daughter of the late Byron Ellsworth Slaughter and Florence Slaughter. She was preceded in death by the following loved ones: husband Kenneth Edward Blackburn; three brothers, Byron, Carl and Kenneth Franklin Slaughter; two sisters, Martha Elizabeth Jordan, and Alice Jean Flowers. Barbara is survived by a son, Kenneth Edward Blackburn, Il (Anne), Brentwood, TN; a daughter, Pamela L. Sampson (Tyree), Xenia, OH; three grandsons, Kenneth Edward Blackburn, II (Yolanda), Nashville, TN; Kyle Blackburn, Brentwood, TN; Jonathan Sampson, Xenia, OH; four great-grandchildren, Kenneth Edward Blackburn, IV, Kamden Blackburn, Ameera Blackburn, and Ashlyn Blackburn all of Nashville, TN; one great-great-granddaughter Kaia Blackburn, Nashville, TN; one sister, Mary Juanita Gibbs, Las Vegas, NV; and a whole host of dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara graduated from West High School in Columbus, OH. She attended The Ohio State University for one year and later transferred to Wilberforce and Central State Universities in Wilberforce, OH. After graduating from Central State, she became a first-grade teacher at Cox Elementary School, in Xenia, OH where she earned a reputation as an outstanding reading teacher. She retired from teaching in the late 1980's. She also taught Sunday School, at Christ Episcopal Church in Xenia, OH., where she was an active member for many years.

Barbara participated in her community through social and community organizations including The Leisurettes Club, The Culture Club, and The 20th Century Club. She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, helped organize Silent Auctions for Payne Theological Seminary, and she participated in voter registration drives.

Barbara was a loving, caring, kind, and supportive mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and was cherished by family and friends. While we will miss her physical form, we know she is with the Lord always. Therein lies the Peace of God. Praise the Lord.

A private graveside ceremony was held at Valley View Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Dr. Gloria Dillon officiating. A public Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held, the time to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Greene County Fish Food Pantry (https://www.gcfp.org). Thank you.