Barbara Lee Culbreath

Barbara Lee Culbreath was born to the late Leroy Pearson and Delores Christian (Pearson) (the third child of six) in Steubenville, Ohio, on May 20, 1954, (the same month and day as her mother).

At an early age, Barabara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and attended Emmanuel Church of God in Christ.

Barbara matriculated and completed her education through the Steubenville City School District, so it was a no brainer that she would later go on and follow in the footsteps of her older sister to attend and graduate from the best high school in the nation…Steubenville High School (Go BIG RED!) located in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1972. It was there where she met the love of her life, the late Raymond Culbreath. It was love at first sight! Raymond knew Barbara was his rib and asked for her hand in marriage and they wedded on August 10, 1970. From this union, the late Raymond Culbreath, Jr. was born.

Although this devoted Army wife and mother had unforeseen medical issues, she never let dust get under her feet.

Being the sports enthusiast that she was, you could always find Barbara cheering on her favorite teams, The Pittsburgh Steelers and Big Red Football Team. If she wasn’t cheering on her favorite teams, this fitness guru always stressed the importance of health is wealth – protecting and governing your mind, body and soul. From her beautiful afro, flawless skin and physique, this fashionista would surely make you feel good about yourself during an encounter with her. Her favorite phrase was, “I’m scared of you!”, which simply implied that you were a brick house walking or a Dapper Dan! You could always find Barbara with an afro pic in her beautifully plucked and greased out afro with a scarf tied around it, a nice sweater or sweater dress and a fly boot. She wore confidence daily! She lived by “The clothes don’t make you; you make the clothes”. She was always camera-ready at all times and took stunning pictures, even the ones that were considered off-guard. She possessed the talent of a personal stylist, effortlessly showcasing her fashion sense. Her infectious smile and beauty would light any room she entered, and she was the life of the party with her vibrant personality!

Barbara was kind, loving, strong-willed, feisty, and stubborn at times, but she had an enormous heart. She was loyal generous and had a love for her dog, Lady. She was very supportive no matter what it was and if you needed her, she was there. In her leisure time she enjoyed being an avid reader, fitness, fashion, sports entertainment, going to church, the ball field, singing, dancing, listening to music, and socializing with family and friends. One of her favorite DJ’s was DJ Buckeye Butch.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Culbreath; her son, Raymond Culbreath, Jr.; her parents, Leroy and Dorothy (Dot) Pearson, Lloyd and Delores Christian, Arthur and Mattie Culbreath; her brothers, Arthur Culbreath, Jr., Ronald Culbreath, Sylvester Culbreath, Bruce Pearson and Leroy Pearson, Jr.; and sisters; Arleen Culbreath, Bertha Hale, Sadie Rollins, Bernadine Young, Manie Miller, Frances Young, and Barbara Holmes.

Barbara left us too soon, but it was “God’s perfect timing”. She is survived by nine sisters and one brother who will miss her sorely: Jeanette Archie, Patricia Culbreath Angel, Clarence Culbreath, Brenda Johnson, Anita Pearson, Beatrice Pearson, Bernice Pearson, Cassandra Pearson and Yolanda Pearson-Olgetree. Her beautiful loving memories will be cherished by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends who also loved her dearly.

Barbara will sincerely be remembered for her generosity and loving ways. One who would truly give you the clothes off her back. A mother-like figure to many, she truly went above and beyond for everyone she encountered. Barbara will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who were blessed to know her.

Barbara Lee Culbreath, age 69. Sunrise May 20, 1954 and Sunset January 12, 2024.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Friday, February 2, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).

Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.