VIEW SLIDE SHOW OF MOMENTS WITH LOIS BARBER
Got a great picture of you and Lois? Email ([email protected]) or text (336-558-7808) it to have it included below!
WATCH VIDEOS FEATURING LOIS BARBER
Got a great video of you and Lois? Email ([email protected]) or text (336-558-7808) it to have it included below!
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"Kung Fu Lover" Little Lois
REFLECTIONS FROM LOIS BARBER'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Share your expressions of sympathy with the family by visiting https://www.scottschapelhillmortuary.com/obituary/Mary-PotterBarber!
IGNITE by Tony Lamair Burks II
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
On August 23, just 15 minutes before I was to present, “Writing Winning College Essays” for the Barbara Lewis King Scholarship Foundation, my Aunt Nettie called to tell me my Aunt Lois had made her transition.
Because of how I’m wired, I immediately saw my Aunt Lois clothed in divinity seated at the Heavenly Hammond B3 organ making it talk that talk (as only my Aunt Lois could). I thanked God for her gifts to this world through her message, her mission, her ministry. I thanked my Aunt Lois for daring to lead a band that led my father, the drummer, to my mother. In essence, I thanked God for who my Aunt Lois IS and how her allness blessed so many—including me—with so much. She let her light shine brightly. Her light ignited within others. And as long as we speak her name, her spirit will shine.
Surround my cousin, Earlie Barber, his children, my mother, Janice Potter Burks, my aunts Doris Potter Hickman, Elder Dott Potter Melton, Yvonne Potter Lee, Nettie Potter Scott, and Vanessa Potter Wynne, my uncles Earlie D. Barber, Elige Scott, and Rev. Dr. Daryl Wynne, and my many cousins and extended family in abundant love as we process, grieve, and celebrate my aunt’s life.
Nettie Scott: When I think of my sister Lois, I think of kindness, generosity, and love. I’m truly going to miss her. We talked on the phone every single day, and we never ended a conversation without saying how much we loved each other. Her favorite song was Two Wings, and I believe God sent her those wings to lift her up and carry her home to heaven. I will miss you dearly, my sweet sister Lois. Love you always! Your sister, Nettie ❤️ "Nothing is impossible with God." – Luke 1:37
Bo Dilly: When I think of Lois, I think of love, peace, harmony, kindness, and the songbird who brought it all together through music. My sister-in-law was a gentle spirit and a true woman of God. I’ll never forget when she asked me to join the men’s choir and even sing a solo—“Operator.” She always made me feel special, and I know I was one of her favorite brothers-in-law. The bond and friendship we shared as brother and sister was unmatched and unbreakable. Lois, I love you, and I’m really going to miss you. With love, Your brother-in-law, Dilly ❤️
Tony Potter: People often say that I was her first son because early in life I lived with her and Uncle Early D. At age nine or ten I would become her featured drummer for Little Lois and The Fabulous Caprees. Finally, I don’t care how much we would rehearse, Aunt Luly would always change it during the live performance. She would always say, “I let The Spirit guide me as I play.”
Mary Hayes: If anyone were to write Lois Barber's life story, she would undoubtedly say that Jesus is the most transformative and empowering presence in her life. Capturing the essence of this remarkable woman's faith, love, and legacy is a daunting task, but it's clear that her impact on those around her has been profound. Her unwavering dedication to her family, including her husband Earlie D. Barber, son, grandchildren, and extended family, has been a constant source of inspiration. Through her music, she has touched countless hearts and left an indelible mark on her community. With a heart full of kindness and generosity, Lois Barber has consistently offered words of encouragement and support, making a lasting difference in the lives of all who have been fortunate enough to know her. As we celebrate her life and legacy, we take comfort in knowing that her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us, and that her presence will be deeply felt in the heavenly music that awaits her. Rest in peace, dear Lois Barber, your spirit will live on through the countless lives you have touched. ✨️
Stephanie Durham: Lois is a Legend! My first encounter with her was at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church my (home church) in “ WF Goynes Gospel Choir” she recognized the gift of singing in me and encouraged me to come forth and Bless the Lord! with my voice. The first song she had me sing was “God is Trying to Tell you Something “from the movie “The Color Purple “. She always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart! She will Forever Be In My Heart and Greatly Missed 💔❤️🩹
LOIS BARBER'S OBITUARY
It is estimated that 15,000 children were born every hour on July 9, 1944. No parents; however, were more delighted that day to bring home their child than Mary Etta and Monroe Lee. Born in Dothan, Alabama, Mary Lois came into this world with a God-given genius for healing and the musical arts. When her sister-friend–JoAnn–welcomed a piano into their home, she naturally took to the instrument, played by ear, and ultimately convinced her own family to buy a piano. Her family and that of her sister-friend embraced the good news of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way [she] should go: and when [she] is old, [she] will not depart from it.” She was raised with a strong belief in God, was saved at Southside Church of God in Christ, and served God at her family’s church, New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a faithful and devoted member of New Bethel until her death, serving over the years in various capacities from organist to minister of music. Indeed, she was drawn to God and to the piano as a child and the three would forever be joined in blessed assurance.
A lifelong learner, she was educated in the segregated schools of the City of Dothan and taught by iconic Black educators who poured into her and her schoolmates empowering them to be difference makers wherever life would take them. As a high school student, she enjoyed painting, supported the athletic department as a trainer for the basketball and track teams (word is she was competitive and could run quite fast), played trumpet for the marching band, and formed her own musical group. She graduated from the historic Carver High School in 1962 and immediately enrolled in The School of Life. The School of Life empowered her to never be content with someone else’s definition of her. More than anything, The School of Life affirmed what she knew in spirit and in truth: she was a Child of God who was promised the desires of her heart.
She desired a family and a career. She met and fell in love with Earlie D. Barber. They united in holy matrimony on September 17, 1969, and raised a family. She shared a mutual love for soul and gospel music with her brother and her sisters and launched a career as a performing artist and created a family music entertainment business managed by her enterprising mother. Dubbed Little Lois and the Fabulous Caprees, she performed with a cadre of gifted musicians including her child prodigy nephew and her soon-to-be brother-in-law from their home base, The Soul Makossa (They had residencies at The Capri Club and the Wiregrass Elks Lodge #810 & Temple #566, as well). The band actively toured the chitlin’ circuit and played at NCO Clubs, performing original music and covers of soul, funk, and R&B hits. A road-tested recording artist, she released her own music (Kung Fu Lover) and shared the stage with or opened for Shirley Caesar, James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, Dorothy Norwood, Millie Jackson, Patti Labelle, Milton Bigham, and many others. She was a multi-instrumentalist: She was a highly-regarded organist (and you know she’s making that Heavenly Hammond B3 talk that talk as only she could). She also was gifted at guitar and drums! Legend has it that she stopped her nephew and demanded he get up from his drum kit so she could show him a beat or two!
An encourager, helping others overcome challenges and setbacks came naturally to her. In many ways she was an Insightful Judge and a Wise Counselor who gave practical advice. Whether she was in “The Hole” at the end of Short Atlanta Street, on Montana Street, at the Lincoln Community Center, or in Young America, she was a true friend who kept it real. She loved God’s people and she found ways to connect with them whether presenting the Little Lois Funk Factory Disco Show or DJing dances for boys and girls at the Hawk Houston Boys Club. Even as her music career blossomed, she never stopped learning. She enrolled at Wallace College to study instrumental music; though an adult student, she found herself teaching her craft knowledge to fellow students and professors alike. She was recently featured in three “Dothan Entertainment History” videos on the Wiregrass Black History Channel and in 28 Black History Makers: Dothan, Alabama, a book by Dr. W. Charles Lewis. She was ever grateful to those who didn’t count it robbery to give her flowers during her lifetime. An entrepreneur, she and her husband operated Barber’s Grocery, a staple of the Lakeview Community. She also operated and managed Games Unlimited–aka The 8 Ball–with pride. It was stocked with the latest video games of the day, good snacks and food, great music, and–most importantly–family and friends. She made the game room a safe haven for children in the Baptist Bottom Community. When she wasn’t singing and playing as a sought-after musician at Sunday services, funerals, revivals, church anniversaries, pastor’s appreciations, or workshops, she could be found at ABC Academy raising our youth as tomorrow’s leaders.
Mary Lois Potter Barber IS a beloved musical legend, matriarch, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, and friend. She transitioned from this life to eternal joy and peace on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe Lee Potter and Mary Etta Matthews Potter; her brother, James Earl Potter; and her granddaughter, A’Kera Scott.
When we think of her, let’s remember the zeal with which she lived for 81 years. Think of her when you witness a person grow in their faith walk. Remember the passion with which she advocated for human and voting rights. Think of Lois when you savor a strawberry bon bon knowing the candy was her favorite (she always had some to share!). Remember her when you walk through your neighborhood, soaking in God’s handiwork. When we think of her, let’s remember her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds as a passion-filled vocalist and keyboardist. Let’s remember how Little Lois created unforgettable moments with her musicianship. For her, ALL music–blues, jazz, hip hop, gospel–is God’s music. Regardless of the genre, she let The Spirit guide as she played. Think of her when you celebrate Easter and Christmas, seasons she envisioned as holy. Think of her when you hear “Two Wings” or when you sing with your choir or praise team. When we think of Lulie, let’s remember how she loved laughing, singing, and caring for us all. Think of her when you see the colors red and black and how they reflected her faith and her people. When we think of her, let’s remember “family” for her was both by blood and by heart. Let’s remember the feel of her hugs. Think of her when you read God’s word–especially Psalms 23, 70, 91, and 121. If we listen close enough, we’ll hear her voice guiding us from the Heavens: “You know, back in the day…” and “Mama said…”
Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Earlie D. Barber; and her son, Earlie Deacon Barber. Her legacy will be sustained by her grandchildren, Jamekia Chambers, Hannah Barber, Karon McClendon, Jabre Barber, and Da’Yonna Barber; their mothers, Dawanna Chambers, Kimberly Jones, Natasha Rodgers, Shankell Kinsey, Candice Taylor Stuckey, and Alexis Scott; her great-grandchildren, Connor Davis and Cairo Davis; her daughter, Jennifer Barber; and her siblings and their spouses, Doris Jacqueline Potter (the late Rupert) Hickman, Dorothea Potter (the late James) Melton, Yvonne Potter Lee, Janice Potter Burks, Nettie Potter (Elige/Bo Dilly) Scott, Vanessa Potter (Daryl) Wynne, Linda Walker, Brenda F. Walker, Sharon Walker, and Darion Walker. Others who count it a blessing to have known her are best friends, JoAnn Britt and Glenda Barnes; her goddaughter, Janice Brown; her in-laws, Barbara Ann Boatwright, Cora Eatmon, Gwendolyn Baker, and William (Mary) Arnette; her nieces, nephews, their spouses, and their children; her cousins, their spouses, and their children; members of choirs and ensembles across the Wiregrass–especially the Male Chorus; alumni of Carver High School; the St. Mary District Association and its Congress of Christian Education; the children and staff of ABC Academy; members of the Anglin, Barber, Bray, Burks, Carter, DeShazor, Durdin, Griffin, Harris, Hart, Haywood, Hickman, Ingram, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Lee, Leake, Matthews, Melton, Potter, Scott, Smith, Stewart, Thomas, Trawick, Tunstall, Walker, Williams, and Wynne families; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.
A lifelong learner, she was educated in the segregated schools of the City of Dothan and taught by iconic Black educators who poured into her and her schoolmates empowering them to be difference makers wherever life would take them. As a high school student, she enjoyed painting, supported the athletic department as a trainer for the basketball and track teams (word is she was competitive and could run quite fast), played trumpet for the marching band, and formed her own musical group. She graduated from the historic Carver High School in 1962 and immediately enrolled in The School of Life. The School of Life empowered her to never be content with someone else’s definition of her. More than anything, The School of Life affirmed what she knew in spirit and in truth: she was a Child of God who was promised the desires of her heart.
She desired a family and a career. She met and fell in love with Earlie D. Barber. They united in holy matrimony on September 17, 1969, and raised a family. She shared a mutual love for soul and gospel music with her brother and her sisters and launched a career as a performing artist and created a family music entertainment business managed by her enterprising mother. Dubbed Little Lois and the Fabulous Caprees, she performed with a cadre of gifted musicians including her child prodigy nephew and her soon-to-be brother-in-law from their home base, The Soul Makossa (They had residencies at The Capri Club and the Wiregrass Elks Lodge #810 & Temple #566, as well). The band actively toured the chitlin’ circuit and played at NCO Clubs, performing original music and covers of soul, funk, and R&B hits. A road-tested recording artist, she released her own music (Kung Fu Lover) and shared the stage with or opened for Shirley Caesar, James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, Dorothy Norwood, Millie Jackson, Patti Labelle, Milton Bigham, and many others. She was a multi-instrumentalist: She was a highly-regarded organist (and you know she’s making that Heavenly Hammond B3 talk that talk as only she could). She also was gifted at guitar and drums! Legend has it that she stopped her nephew and demanded he get up from his drum kit so she could show him a beat or two!
An encourager, helping others overcome challenges and setbacks came naturally to her. In many ways she was an Insightful Judge and a Wise Counselor who gave practical advice. Whether she was in “The Hole” at the end of Short Atlanta Street, on Montana Street, at the Lincoln Community Center, or in Young America, she was a true friend who kept it real. She loved God’s people and she found ways to connect with them whether presenting the Little Lois Funk Factory Disco Show or DJing dances for boys and girls at the Hawk Houston Boys Club. Even as her music career blossomed, she never stopped learning. She enrolled at Wallace College to study instrumental music; though an adult student, she found herself teaching her craft knowledge to fellow students and professors alike. She was recently featured in three “Dothan Entertainment History” videos on the Wiregrass Black History Channel and in 28 Black History Makers: Dothan, Alabama, a book by Dr. W. Charles Lewis. She was ever grateful to those who didn’t count it robbery to give her flowers during her lifetime. An entrepreneur, she and her husband operated Barber’s Grocery, a staple of the Lakeview Community. She also operated and managed Games Unlimited–aka The 8 Ball–with pride. It was stocked with the latest video games of the day, good snacks and food, great music, and–most importantly–family and friends. She made the game room a safe haven for children in the Baptist Bottom Community. When she wasn’t singing and playing as a sought-after musician at Sunday services, funerals, revivals, church anniversaries, pastor’s appreciations, or workshops, she could be found at ABC Academy raising our youth as tomorrow’s leaders.
Mary Lois Potter Barber IS a beloved musical legend, matriarch, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, and friend. She transitioned from this life to eternal joy and peace on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe Lee Potter and Mary Etta Matthews Potter; her brother, James Earl Potter; and her granddaughter, A’Kera Scott.
When we think of her, let’s remember the zeal with which she lived for 81 years. Think of her when you witness a person grow in their faith walk. Remember the passion with which she advocated for human and voting rights. Think of Lois when you savor a strawberry bon bon knowing the candy was her favorite (she always had some to share!). Remember her when you walk through your neighborhood, soaking in God’s handiwork. When we think of her, let’s remember her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds as a passion-filled vocalist and keyboardist. Let’s remember how Little Lois created unforgettable moments with her musicianship. For her, ALL music–blues, jazz, hip hop, gospel–is God’s music. Regardless of the genre, she let The Spirit guide as she played. Think of her when you celebrate Easter and Christmas, seasons she envisioned as holy. Think of her when you hear “Two Wings” or when you sing with your choir or praise team. When we think of Lulie, let’s remember how she loved laughing, singing, and caring for us all. Think of her when you see the colors red and black and how they reflected her faith and her people. When we think of her, let’s remember “family” for her was both by blood and by heart. Let’s remember the feel of her hugs. Think of her when you read God’s word–especially Psalms 23, 70, 91, and 121. If we listen close enough, we’ll hear her voice guiding us from the Heavens: “You know, back in the day…” and “Mama said…”
Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Earlie D. Barber; and her son, Earlie Deacon Barber. Her legacy will be sustained by her grandchildren, Jamekia Chambers, Hannah Barber, Karon McClendon, Jabre Barber, and Da’Yonna Barber; their mothers, Dawanna Chambers, Kimberly Jones, Natasha Rodgers, Shankell Kinsey, Candice Taylor Stuckey, and Alexis Scott; her great-grandchildren, Connor Davis and Cairo Davis; her daughter, Jennifer Barber; and her siblings and their spouses, Doris Jacqueline Potter (the late Rupert) Hickman, Dorothea Potter (the late James) Melton, Yvonne Potter Lee, Janice Potter Burks, Nettie Potter (Elige/Bo Dilly) Scott, Vanessa Potter (Daryl) Wynne, Linda Walker, Brenda F. Walker, Sharon Walker, and Darion Walker. Others who count it a blessing to have known her are best friends, JoAnn Britt and Glenda Barnes; her goddaughter, Janice Brown; her in-laws, Barbara Ann Boatwright, Cora Eatmon, Gwendolyn Baker, and William (Mary) Arnette; her nieces, nephews, their spouses, and their children; her cousins, their spouses, and their children; members of choirs and ensembles across the Wiregrass–especially the Male Chorus; alumni of Carver High School; the St. Mary District Association and its Congress of Christian Education; the children and staff of ABC Academy; members of the Anglin, Barber, Bray, Burks, Carter, DeShazor, Durdin, Griffin, Harris, Hart, Haywood, Hickman, Ingram, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Lee, Leake, Matthews, Melton, Potter, Scott, Smith, Stewart, Thomas, Trawick, Tunstall, Walker, Williams, and Wynne families; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.