DeBarr

Anna C. DeBarr, 97, formerly of Follansbee and Wellsburg, W.Va., was led home by angels where the Lord has placed the last jewel into her crown on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Anna resided at Concordia at the Orchard, in Butler, and previously resided at Heritage Village, Gerry, N.Y., from July 1996 until July 2014.

Anna was born on Jan. 31, 1927, in Chillicothe, Ohio, the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Bernard Downs. In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her husband in 2013.

She ran off with the love of her life, Duran “Buck” DeBarr, eloping to Greenup, Ky., and they were married on Sept. 25, 1943. They lived their lives always with heaven as their goal. Their generous spirit reached out in love to many people, helping them to enrich their own lives.

Anna served as the pastor’s wife of the former Follansbee Free Methodist Church and the Avella Free Methodist Church. She then moved in 1966 to support her husband in his lifelong dream of earning his Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. Throughout their marriage and ministry, she proved herself to be the ideal pastor’s wife, having an extraordinary gift for hospitality and a true servant’s heart for serving others. Anna comforted many homesick and hungry college students with great meals and lots of chocolate chip cookies and brownies.

Anna retired from Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, N.Y., in 1991. Anna was particularly gifted with needle and thread skills, doing beautiful embroidery and quilting needlecraft work. Until her eyesight became an issue, her hobbies included working puzzles, coloring and reading. She loved volunteering.

Anna is survived by three devoted daughters, Janet Leary (Ray Wohnhas, companion) of Follansbee, W.Va., Judy (Ronald) Penrod of Follansbee, W.Va. and Linda (Rich) Smith of South Carolina; four caring grandchildren, John (Linda) Leary, Brian (Linda) Richardson, Tim Richardson and Cheryl Penrod; and three cherished great-grandchildren, Johnna Leary, Meghan Richardson and Garrett Duran Richardson.

In addition to her parents and husband, Anna’s family in heaven to greet her are her daughter, Josephine “Joey” DeBarr; a son-in-law, Jack Leary; a sister; and four brothers.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who loved and cared for her; particularly, Rachel and Kathy Lefever, whom Anna claimed as part of her loving family. We also thank her faithful friend, Diane, for her steadfast support and encouragement.

DEBARR — Family and friends of Anna C. DeBarr, who died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, will be received from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024, at JAMES FUNERAL HOME, Follansbee W.Va., with the Rev. Forrest States officiating.

Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery Haven of Rest, Colliers, W.Va.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Foundery Church, Building Fund, 1340 Washington Pike, Wellsburg, WV 26070, or Good Samaritan Hospice, 116 Browns Hill Road, Suite 100, Valencia PA 16059.

Please visit www.chambersandjames.com to celebrate Anna’s life through condolences and stories.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.