Ocie Jean Caldwell-Barnes Program

I remember talking to my Mom, the late Margean Smith about my desire to join the New Birth Young Adult Choir. The year was 1978. I was 12 years old. I finally got up enough nerve to ask, even though I didn’t meet the age requirement. We approached your car after church to ask, and you said yes. The rest is history. You and my Mom became best friends, you became my “Other Mom” and I became your “Other Son” You gave me my first public opportunity to direct a choir and play an instrument. I would not be who I am today without your musical and spiritual guidance. It has been 45 years and I still love you. I will miss our conversations, your voicemails and our text message exchanges. Though I miss you dearly, I am happy to know that you are now with the Lord. Love you forever, your other son, Willy Laughter brought us together as friends and over these 40+ years has strengthened us together as sisters. Visiting places and friends and family, you always brought a smile to people. You shared joy and your love for life with all of us who came in contact with you. And, all my time around you Dr. Jean Caldwell-Barnes was an OPPORTUNITY to learn. You always told me that your own life experiences made you a better teacher. God truly poured in to you a gift of teaching and I am the richer for it. We all felt how important music was to you (even those of us who couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket) and you used your music to bring us together and to learn from one another and to build and to grow. I’m gonna miss you, your laughter, your jokes and your teaching. On July 1, 2023, I heard myself ask you (like I often did over the last few months) “what should I do next?” I know now that God would want me to keep learning from you by living my life devoted to God and family, serving others like you did all the time I’ve known you at churches, schools, the nursing homes, with Meals on Wheels and praying and studying His Word. Thank you too for spending time with my babies and sharing your wisdom every chance you could. I know you are in Heaven now making a joyful noise . . . We love you and we will always praise God for you. Virgie, Jay, Mimi & J

“Aunt Jean, may I have some birthday cake?”

Dearest Auntie O, It was a blessing and truly an honor to spend so many wonderful and precious days and evenings with my father's RIP Tommy James Thomas (TJ), only Sister Ocie Jean. Your words has given me comfort through the good times and bad times, one thing I'll never forget - no matter what God, is in control and if it's His, will be done. My days will be sad without you but your love resides in my heart to keep moving by faith. Love you always, your niece of TJ's mighty 7 (4 boys/ 3 girls). " The Thomas Family"... Ms. D. M .Thas (lile Doris)

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