Mrs. Barbara Ann Amedee's Obituary
Barbara Ann Amedee, born July 21, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Uelas Cole and Minnie Combs. She was lovingly raised by her late aunt, Christine Favors, and often shared that she grew up in a “village” of devoted relatives who nurtured, guided, and surrounded her with love. She cherished her summers with her grandparents, John and Rose Cole, in Durham, North Carolina, as well as time spent with her paternal aunts and uncles-memories she carried fondly throughout her life.
Barbara valued education deeply and instilled that same commitment in her children and grandchildren. She began her undergraduate studies at Virginia Union University (HBCU) before earning a Master’s Degree in Library Science. She later served as a research librarian at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
With remarkable courage and resilience, Barbara moved across the world with her husband when his career took the family to the Philippines. There she went to school, volunteered, created community, and ensured her children experienced a rich and memorable childhood abroad.
Upon returning to the United States, Barbara worked as a Special Education Teacher, later joining the Department of Defense, where she earned an additional Master’s degree and spent the remainder of her career teaching contracts. Throughout her life, she always maintained a side job-an expression of her work ethic, independence, and desire to provide a little extra for her children and, later, her grandchildren.
Barbara lived a life full of creativity, beauty, and generosity. She loved to sew and excelled at every craft she attempted. She loved beautiful things and fashion, was a wonderful cook, and delighted in entertaining-there was always room at her table, and everyone was welcome. Barbara loved to support others. When she believed in you, she encouraged and guided you to do things you didn’t think were possible.
Barbara now reunites with her beloved late husband of 39 years, Benjamin G. Amedee, Jr. She adored her family above all else, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: William (Lesline), Benita (Sam), and Nicole (Kevyn); her grandchildren: Tai, Tori, Trystian (Meaghan), Jarred, Jason (Cami), Sienna, and Skylar; and her great-grandchildren: Meru, Avery, Theodore, and Maisie.
She is also survived by cherished cousins John Erby, Lisa Erby, Mark Cole, Carl Smith, Jr. (Patrice), and Joy Smith, along with a host of loving friends whose lives were touched by her warmth, laughter, and unwavering kindness.
Barbara’s legacy is one of love, strength, service, and grace-and it lives on in the family she so dearly treasured.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, with visitation at 10 AM CST and the Mass at 11 AM CST at St Peter Claver Catholic Church, 369 Oxford Street North, Saint Paul MN 55104. The Mass will also be broadcast on the following Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/9640509616
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Hospice Minneapolis https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E358886&id=1
A wake/repast will follow at 12:30 PM at the Wilder Center, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St. Paul, MN 55104.
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