Barbara Ellis Best

Albany~

Barbara J. Ellis Best, born May 01, 1942, in Wayne County, NC to William Thompson and Ruth Lee Ellis.

She attended Dillard High School in Goldsboro, N.C. up into the 10th grade and later went to Goldsboro High School where she graduated. Barbara went on to meet her late husband James Best Jr. and moved to Albany, NY where they had two children. While in Albany she worked as a nursing aid at St. Peters Hospital. Barbara and her husband then moved to Baltimore, M.D., where they had their last child together.

After a few years in Baltimore they decided to move back to North Carolina. At that time Barbara went on to become the first black female jail matron of Wayne County. Barbara then return to Albany, N.Y., to be with her daughters and family and for many years took care of children as a babysitter in her home. As she grew older and unable to care for children directly, she joined her aunt as a bus aide at Durham Bus Company, where she later retired.

She attended church faithfully and was an active member of Walls Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, where she actively served as a deaconess and missionary.

Preceded by William Thompson (Father), Ruth Wynn (Mother), Eddie Wynn (Stepfather), James Best Jr., (Best Friend).

Survived by one son and four daughters. Ronnie Earl Wynn of Goldsboro, N.C, Belinda (Leroy) Benton of Goldsboro, N.C., Denise (Henry) Best of Albany, N.Y., Denine (Skydell) McCall of Albany, N.Y., and Denia Buffalo of Albany, N.Y., 12 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, three aunts and one uncle, Anne Ellis, Betty Hagans, Annie Doris Watson, and J.T. Whitley.

Relatives and friends may call from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday December 28, 2019 at Walls Temple AME Zion Church, 27 Delaware Street, Albany, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at the church. Interment will follow the service in Graceland Cemetery, Albany.

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