Barbara Caruthers-Payne

Barbara Jean Wright was born on October 14, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the first of eight children born to the late Bobby and Flora Lee Wright.

At an early age, Barbara confessed her faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was baptized by Rev. J. L. Walton, Sr. She was a devoted and active member of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as an usher, a member of the kitchen committee, Busy Bee, and a dedicated Sunday School participant.

Barbara attended Lucy Flower High School and later DePaul University, where she earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development. She had a deep love for caring for children and fulfilled that passion as the owner and operator of B.J.’s Learning Center. She later worked at Star House Group Home, where she dedicated over ten years of service before retiring.

Barbara was the embodiment of selflessness and kindness. Her doors were always open to those in need, offering warm meals, comfort, and a place to stay. She loved to cook and was a nurturing mother not only to her children, but to many whose lives she touched along the way.

Barbara was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bobby and Flora Lee Wright; her husbands, Robert Lee Caruthers and Samuel Payne; brothers, Jerome Wright, Robert Wright, Ardifiane Wright, Fred Davis, Andre Davis, Maurice Davis; sisters, Denise Wright and Linda Bell; her beloved daughter, Catrice Caruthers; and grandson, DeWayne Frazier. 

Barbara leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughters, Monica Rider, Robin Cory, Loretta Payne, Sandra Payne, Marsha Payne, Samita Woody and Jassmine Caruthers; her sons, Sahara Caruthers, Robert Payne, Howard Payne, Jarvis Garrett, and Shaquille Caruthers; siblings, Paulette Wynn, Estella Hubbard, Anthony (Deda) Wright, Kim Lawler Sheila Wright; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

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