Barbara Travis

Barbara Mae Travis was born on June 22, 1927, in Slaughter Neck, Delaware to the late Hansom and Georgeanna Young. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Barbara was united in marriage to Norman Travis Sr. of Harrington, Delaware, on April 7, 1951. Together, they had two children: their son, Norman Travis Jr., and their daughter, Yolinda Lewis.

Barbara was a dedicated member of Siloam A.M.E. Church in Slaughter Neck, Delaware, where she served in many capacities, including Church Pianist, Church Treasurer, member of the Board of Trustees, Missionary Society, Usher Board, and the Kitchen Committee. As Church Treasurer, she managed the church’s finances with diligence and integrity, ensuring all records were kept in order. In her role on the Kitchen Committee, Barbara primary role was to keep the kitchen clean and ensure the table settings were correct.

Barbara attended Slaughter Neck School System through the eighth grade. She then enrolled in high school at Delaware State College. After earning her high school diploma, Barbara continued her studies at Delaware State College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. She later furthered her education at the University of Delaware, earning a master’s degree in education. Barbara retired as an elementary school teacher after 30 years of dedicated service. After her retirement, former students frequently spoke with her to express their appreciation for her guidance. Many would share stories of how her encouragement and support helped them succeed in school and in life, with some recalling how her firm but caring approach inspired them to reach their full potential.

Barbara was an avid gardener and enthusiastic collector of salt and pepper shakers. Each spring, she made multiple trips to local nurseries to ensure her yard was bursting with blooms. Most evenings, you could find her outside pruning and watering, always tending with care to every plant. Her salt and pepper shaker collection featured pieces from all over the country and numbered over 100. Another favorite pastime was her frequent trips to Walmart. She delighted in wandering through the store and sitting in the parking lot and greeting familiar faces among the staff and fellow shoppers. Her love for Walmart trips was so well-known that a sign on her front porch read, “If I am not home, I am at Walmart,” a testament to how much these outings meant to her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman Travis Sr.; her brothers, Hanson "Buddy" Young II and Maurice Young; her sisters-in-laws, Grace Ann Young and Bertha Young; and Deborah Young, who was raised as her daughter.

She leaves to mourn, her son, Norman Travis Jr. (Evelyn); her daughter, Yolinda Lewis; Hansom “Little Buddy” Young Jr., who was raised as a son; her granddaughters, Renee Travis and Jaleesa Myles (Andre); a grandson, Gonzales Young; her special caregiver, Bernadette Parker; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.