Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Barbara Deloris Moore Leftwich, the ninth child born to Eliza Mae McDonald and Luther Moore, arrived on June 17, 1935, in Beckley, WV. Barbara was educated in the public school system, attending Stratton High School, Beckley. Her love of people led her to a career as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Appalachian Hospital. Barbara also enjoyed work in retail sales.

She welcomed into the world one daughter, her beloved Michelle Renee Knight, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers: Harry, Robert and Luther and five sisters: Alma. Lucille, Dorothy, Bertha and Mary.

Barbara married husband, Charles Leftwich, in 1965. The couple moved ‘on up’ to NYC and settled in the Bronx, NY in the 70’s. At that time, Harlem was the center of Black culture and political activism, which was quite a culture shock for a small-town girl, but Barbara loved every bit of it. She made lifelong friends at work in the retail sales industry and began to enjoy the Big Apple and what it had to offer. Barbara’s relationship with Jesus, and her church family were always important to her. She loved serving.

In New York, she became a member of Praise Temple Baptist Church and was admired for her fashionable dress, known to dress to the nine each and every Sunday, with a stylish hat to match just about every outfit.

When Barbara returned to Beckley she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church. However, St. Paul Baptist Temple became her final church home, where she faithfully served for over 25 years. Barbara was a devoted member of the St Paul Baptist Temple Sisters in Christ as One Women’s Ministry. She also served with compassion as a volunteer usher on the Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor Staff.

Family was always important to Barbara. Barbara loved family. She enjoyed spending time with everyone. Being close in age to her nieces and nephews, she was the “fun aunt.” Barbara’s grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Barbara played a major part in raising her grandchildren, which she did with pride and dedication. Barbara was appreciated for her candor and her immense love for family and friends didn’t stop her from “telling it like it is” either!!

After the passing of her husband in 2020, Barbara moved back to NY and lived with her granddaughter, Nikki and her family, in Mt Vernon. Barbara attended the Mt Vernon Senior Center where she made friends, enjoyed community outings, dances, celebrations and especially Bingo. Most importantly, she was able to spend quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her and showered her with love and attention.

Words can’t express how special it was to be able to throw your grandmother her first birthday party! She had never had a birthday party before. She was so happy, she cried. We made her birthdays a big deal, every year and celebrated her with so much love.

Barbara passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, in NY-Presbyterian Westchester Hospital.

She leaves to celebrate her life, grandchildren: Nichelle Brown, Kendall Ferguson, Keith Ferguson, Timothy Jackson, Khansi Jackson, Michael Knight; great-grandchildren: Dajour Evans, Laila King, Aaliyah Ferguson and A’Miyah Jackson; devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving church family and friends. She was really special to us. We will really miss her!!!

Funeral service will be 10:00AM Saturday, February 21, 2026 at St. Paul Baptist Temple 129 Rice St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing mask and practicing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.