Barbara Fealtina LaMar, 84, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, spending her final moments with her beloved daughter. She was born on February 3, 1941, in the Bronx, New York. As a child, Barbara shared a deep love for both of her grandfathers, Pate and Lanfrey. Some of her fondest memories were made on her grandfather Lanfrey’s farm in Virginia, where she delighted in roaming the acres, playing in streams, climbing trees, and enjoying fresh fruit. Full of curiosity and spirit, she was known for getting into mischief, including teasing the farm animals—most memorably, the bull. Barbara lived a life defined by resilience, determination, and unwavering love for her family. In addition to raising her own children, she opened her heart and home to many others. She loved reading, politics, intellectual discussions, and all forms of art—especially crafting and creating. In her younger years, she enjoyed sports and roller skating. Her family will forever miss her homemade biscuits with molasses, chicken gumbo, homemade barbecue sauce, and baked ham. Later in life, Barbara earned her high school diploma, a testament to her perseverance and love of learning. Exceptionally intelligent and gifted, she often expressed a wish that circumstances had allowed her to pursue further education. Over the course of her life, she held many roles. She was once self-employed as a restaurant owner and later worked in healthcare, serving in positions ranging from nursing home executive to nurse’s aide and home health aide. She also spent time working in retail. For much of her career, Barbara worked as a painter, which led her into supervising construction sites, working on scaffolding, and refurbishing houses. She made history as the first woman inducted into the New York painters’ union—an unprecedented achievement at the time. There were no women in the unions then, and certainly not a Black gay woman. Barbara paved the way, opening doors not only for women in her union but across many others. She endured harassment and life-threatening opposition for her accomplishments, yet she persevered. Her excellence led the union to send her to school for carpentry and masonry, where she also excelled. Barbara was a true artist. Beyond painting properties, she loved creating art in all forms. She painted murals on walls, created beautiful works on canvas and paper, designed art on her computer, and even painted clothing. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her art will be cherished by her family for generations to come. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar LaMar and Augusta LaMar-Gibbs; and her sisters, Dorothy Eberhart, Emeral LaMar-Capers, and Joyce Baukman. She is survived by her children, Debra LaMar-Baughan, Oscar LaMar, and Ivan LaMar; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sisters, Yvonne LaMar-Ruff and Angela LaMar-Cummings; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members. A blessing service will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 at 1:00pm in the chapel of Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, 4115 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA 18612. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann's Street, Scranton, PA.

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