Barbara Ann Brown-Shepherd was born to Clarence and Mabel Brown on May 19, 1943, in Akron, Ohio.

She attended Akron Public Schools graduating from Akron South "Big Blue" High School class of 1961. Barbara received a scholarship to an HBCU Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR, through the aid of Centenary United Methodist Church. After graduation she taught for two years in the Little Rock, AR. School District and 2 years in the Greenville Mississippi School District before moving on to the position of Administrative Secretary at Tuskegee University.  Barbara held many positions throughout her lifetime last working at Wells Fargo.

Barbara was baptized as child at Centenary United Methodist Church. In her later years she attended Mount Zion Baptist Church. Barbara loved to decorate and supervise or boss her cousin around while helping (sampling) her cousins grill and prepare for Holidays and other events. Barbara had the heart of a servant and loved to give. Her favorite time of year was Christmas. She never wanted anyone to go without, so she played Secret Santa to many, especially children in Akron and Saint Louis or wherever there was a need.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Brown and Mable Brown, Grandparents, Earlie Sr (Pinky) Brown, Clarence Shepherd and Eula Nevels, Great Grandparents, Sam (Marguerite Hall) Brown, and Uncle, Earlie Brown Jr.

She leaves to rejoice in her homegoing, Brother, Clarence (Gayle) Brown, Aunt, Helen Brown, Nephews, Clarence Brown, John Jordan, and Andre' Brown, Cousins, Deborah Reddick, Deirdre (Gary) Foreman, Karen Palmer, Kimberle (Duane) Temple, Cousin/brother Waymon (Rae Netta) Brown Sr, Alissa (Jack) Streeter, her favorite girls, Bre Yanna and Autumn Brown, Ashlee Foreman, Melanie English and Mariah Riley, her boys, Waymon Brown II, Xavier and Ezekiel Riley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.