Barbara Jean Merriweather
February 17th, 1937 - October 29th, 2025
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Barbara's Obituary
Barbara Jean Merriweather was born in Chicago, Illinois February 17, 1937 to Alberta Williams Pankey and James Alonzo Pankey. At a very young age she was moved to Covert Michigan by her parents to live with her Great Uncle and Aunt, Rev. John Armistead Williams & Elnora Williams, who was the founder and Pastor of Gospel Tabernacle Church. Barbara was the pianist for the church in her youth. In 1955 Barbara graduated from Covert High School.
As an adult Barbara returned to Chicago. She became a member of True Light Baptist Church and was employed by Illinois Bell Corporation. While in Chicago she met Mack Merriweather, married, and raised her daughter Cheryl. After the years with Illinois Bell, Barbara joined George Lauterer Corporation in Chicago. She became the only black person working in their offices at that time. During those years she also joined Canaan Baptist Church, where she was the pianist and director of the Senior Choir for many years.
After returning to Covert in the late70's. Barbara reunited with the Gospel Tabernacle family, as her home church, where she remained a faithful member and pianist until her death in October. She has always loved the people of this church. At this time, she began another career with Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township. She also joined OES (Order of Eastern Stars) During her time with OES, Barbara achieved status as Worthy Matron of Elnora Williams Chapter, which was named after her Great Aunt. Also, Grand District Matron, District 5 in Michigan, and many higher-ranking positions.
Later in life Barbara and her husband decided to welcome their daughter Brittany Cole Merriweather into their home, as they raised her in Covert. After her retirement from Palisades, Barbara joined the team at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home where she worked until last year. Barbara was also the secretary for the area Ministerial Alliance; she also served on the Covert Township Housing Board as President. She was active in many churches and organizations throughout Michigan. Her strength and Influence was felt by anyone who ever met her. Barbara established The Williams Family College Scholarship Fund for Covert & South Haven High School Seniors.
Barbara has many family members to keep her legacy alive: Her daughters, Cheryl Ward, Brittany Merriweather, Grand Children, Donald (Alvina) Ward III, Chloe' H-Willlams (Caraus) Steven Dean III, Jayceon Johnson, Zakari Johnson, Zaire Johnson, 7 Great Grand Children and 1 Great-Great Grandson. Her brother Charles (Norma) Pankey, Nieces, Nephews, cousins, 1 Sister-in-Laws, Mamie Beamon and Bettie Lampkin, Godson Fred (Robin) Madden Sr., The entire Gospel Tabernacle Family. Special Friends and extended family Ella Harrington and Shirley Holmes and Honorable Annie Brown & Jeff Filbrandt. Barbara was preceeded in death by her husband Mack, her mother Alberta Pankey Williams, her father James Pankey, her sister Dolores A. Southern, her Great Uncle Rev. John Williams, her Great Aunt Elnora Williams
Visitation for Barbara Jean Merriweather will be held at 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Filbrandt Chapel 1076 S. Bailey Ave., South Haven, Michigan 49090. Also, Visitation for Barbara Jean Merriweather will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Gospel Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 32605 M-140 Hwy, Covert, Michigan 49043 with the Celebration of Life Service following immediately after with Pastor Henry Allen officiating.
Barbara will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery in Covert, Michigan next to her late husband, Mack Merriweather.
To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangement have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
As an adult Barbara returned to Chicago. She became a member of True Light Baptist Church and was employed by Illinois Bell Corporation. While in Chicago she met Mack Merriweather, married, and raised her daughter Cheryl. After the years with Illinois Bell, Barbara joined George Lauterer Corporation in Chicago. She became the only black person working in their offices at that time. During those years she also joined Canaan Baptist Church, where she was the pianist and director of the Senior Choir for many years.
After returning to Covert in the late70's. Barbara reunited with the Gospel Tabernacle family, as her home church, where she remained a faithful member and pianist until her death in October. She has always loved the people of this church. At this time, she began another career with Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township. She also joined OES (Order of Eastern Stars) During her time with OES, Barbara achieved status as Worthy Matron of Elnora Williams Chapter, which was named after her Great Aunt. Also, Grand District Matron, District 5 in Michigan, and many higher-ranking positions.
Later in life Barbara and her husband decided to welcome their daughter Brittany Cole Merriweather into their home, as they raised her in Covert. After her retirement from Palisades, Barbara joined the team at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home where she worked until last year. Barbara was also the secretary for the area Ministerial Alliance; she also served on the Covert Township Housing Board as President. She was active in many churches and organizations throughout Michigan. Her strength and Influence was felt by anyone who ever met her. Barbara established The Williams Family College Scholarship Fund for Covert & South Haven High School Seniors.
Barbara has many family members to keep her legacy alive: Her daughters, Cheryl Ward, Brittany Merriweather, Grand Children, Donald (Alvina) Ward III, Chloe' H-Willlams (Caraus) Steven Dean III, Jayceon Johnson, Zakari Johnson, Zaire Johnson, 7 Great Grand Children and 1 Great-Great Grandson. Her brother Charles (Norma) Pankey, Nieces, Nephews, cousins, 1 Sister-in-Laws, Mamie Beamon and Bettie Lampkin, Godson Fred (Robin) Madden Sr., The entire Gospel Tabernacle Family. Special Friends and extended family Ella Harrington and Shirley Holmes and Honorable Annie Brown & Jeff Filbrandt. Barbara was preceeded in death by her husband Mack, her mother Alberta Pankey Williams, her father James Pankey, her sister Dolores A. Southern, her Great Uncle Rev. John Williams, her Great Aunt Elnora Williams
Visitation for Barbara Jean Merriweather will be held at 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Filbrandt Chapel 1076 S. Bailey Ave., South Haven, Michigan 49090. Also, Visitation for Barbara Jean Merriweather will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Gospel Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 32605 M-140 Hwy, Covert, Michigan 49043 with the Celebration of Life Service following immediately after with Pastor Henry Allen officiating.
Barbara will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery in Covert, Michigan next to her late husband, Mack Merriweather.
To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangement have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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