Mr. Marvin James Barber

April 11, 1934 - July 16, 2019

Marvin James Barber was born on April 11, 1934 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late James P. Barber and Candis Labrad. He grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Alexandria city public schools. After graduation, Marvin enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably during the Korean War Era for four years. Upon honorable discharge, Marvin had a long and successful career in the federal government where he worked for 33 years as a Film Categorizer, of The National Archives, Washington, DC. It was during this time that he meet the beautiful Peggy E. Ward, who would later become his wife on April 5, 1968 over a span of 28 years. Through their union together as a blended family, they were blessed with eight children. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife Peggy on November 9, 1996, son Corporal Wayne Jordan on March 17, 1967, and daughter, Patricia Jordan-Campbell on October 19, 2017. Marvin was a faithful member of the American Legion #129, and Elks Lodge #48, two of the most influential organizations aimed at helping in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, and meeting the needs of today’s veterans, and improving the quality of life. Those who knew Marvin, were touched by his love for people and his family. He was known by many for his loquacious nature and how he never met a stranger, especially in his later years at Anna B. Rose apartments. His hobbies included billiards, bowling and anything competitive. He was an avid Redskins fan, and a tenacious card and lottery player. Marvin departed his life on July 16, 2019, in the Dorn Veteran Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, after an extended hospital stay. His last eight months of life residing in Columbia, were spent surrounded with love from his children, son-in-law, and grandson. He enjoyed each day being pampered by two amazing caregivers (Rosemary and Karen), great conversations and many laughs. He will forever be missed for his quick wit, charm and storytelling about the good ole days. He leaves to cherish his memories his Sons Marvin Elliott (Valerie), Tracy Barber (Myra), both of Alexandria, Virginia, Gary Jordan (Cheryl), Accokeek, Maryland Daughters, Marva Weinberg-Dixon (Edmund), Columbia, South Carolina, Sandra Porter, Winston Salem, North Carolina, Pamela Boggan, Alexandria, Virginia, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, good friend Louise Elliott, and a host of many other family and friends.