Barbara Jean Wadlington

Barbara Jean Wadlington (Babs), 93, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, surrounded by family.

Although she had spent the past 5 years living in San Jose, CA, Barbara was a native of Mansfield, Ohio, born to Robert and Ethel Staples on July 16, 1932. She was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, class of 1950, where she was the first black woman selected to be on the school's Homecoming Court. Barbara went on to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, as a Classical Piano major. She married her high school sweetheart, Lewis M. (Sonnie) Wadlington, in 1953, and they shared many good years together. She loved and was devoted to raising her 4 children, and after a 30-year career in Accounting and Human Resources at General Motors in Ontario, OH, Barbara retired in 1991.

Barbara was a lifelong Christian and gifted musician, combining these two loves to serve many years as a Minister of Music at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Later, she learned to play the cello and became a member of the Ashland, OH Symphony Orchestra. She especially loved gospel and classical music, theater arts, high fashion, and spending time with her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her children, Tamara (Brad) Eyster, Rome Wadlington, and Mark (Leyna) Wadlington; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Mrs. Rita Dawkins of Hazel Crest, IL, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Lewis Michel (Mike) Wadlington, parents, half-sister, and former husband.

Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A private ceremony will be held for the Family the following day, as Barbara is laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Northwestern University at www.give.northwestern.edu or to a local charity of choice.

Barbara (Babs) will be deeply missed and forever remembered with Love.