Lila Barber

Lila Barber was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, September 3, 2023. Lila was born at home in Worthington Springs.  She thought on February 9, 1936, but had to change the date to February 10, 1936, to match her vehicle operator license due to a Social Security error. She traveled and worked at various Department of Corrections Institutions as her husband was promoting. Lila is known by the affectionate nickname “Monkey” that her grandchildren, family, and work locations gave her. She spent many years working for the Lake Butler Elementary School where the name “Monkey” continued.

Lila lost her first husband Tom Dowling in 1979 and found Ted Barber at the Livestock Market Restaurant in Gainesville, Florida. The two married on November 11, 1982, at Sardis Baptist Church and were blessed to have 41 years together.

Lila’s first love was the Lord God, and she treasured her family!  The cookie jar was always full, and soft drinks were available.  She put family first and her greatest regret was that her illness would take her away from being able to care for the family.

Lila loved her Order of the Eastern Star and even served as Worthy Matron of the Lake Butler Chapter Number 40 many times. She served as the Grand Representative to Idaho and enjoyed that honor. She loved Sardis Baptist Church and all the members.

Lila and Tom had two children, Dennis, and Denise Dowling Anderson. Ted and his first wife, Frances Kirkpatrick, had Ted Jr. and Jennifer Shumway. And together, Ted and Lila have been blessed to have 11 Grand and 14 Great Grandchildren.

Ted wants all to work at thinking, saying, and doing what honors the Lord.  And he knows he is “too blessed to be stressed.”

A service to honor Lila will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Sardis Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 10:00am. Lila will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Lake Butler Chapter #40 Order of the Eastern Star, PO Box 643, Lake Butler, FL 32054.