Barbara L. Leathers

Barbara Lou Leathers was the last of four children born to John and Juanita Watkins on October 3, 1948. She was a proud and very active member of the South High Alumni, graduating in 1966. Professionally, Barbara dedicated over 30 years to the Monsanto Chemical Company (later known as Flexsys America), as an HR executive. After leaving Monsanto, she worked an additional 5 years in the HR department at Koroseal before retiring. In her retirement, she joyfully traveled back and forth to Columbus, Ohio, helping with her grandchildren, who affectionately named her “Maw Maw”.

Barbara was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and she made every possible effort to encourage her family and friends to embrace their spirituality and find God in their walks of life. She was a member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years. In her early years as a member, she was an active participant and leader in the women’s group named “Christian Women Setting the Pace”, which focused on spiritual growth for women in the congregation. She was also a member of the finance committee. The members of the congregation were an extension of her family, and she loved them dearly.

Barbara also held the community near and dear to her heart. She was a previous member of The Ohio Black Women’s Caucus, The South High Alumni Group, and the Akron Urban League Scholarship Committee. She found pride and purpose in assisting young adults to find scholarship opportunities and often followed their journey through the completion of their collegiate career.

Although she held many roles in the church and community, her family was the most important aspect of her life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and bonus mother to many. She loved hosting family events, and her home served as a safe haven for her family, friends, and friends of her children. She had a profound way of individually pouring into each person she loved. Her guidance and warmth will be forever missed.

Barbara departed this earthly life on August 12, 2025. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her best friend and sister, Yvette Watkins, brothers John Jr. (aka Butch) and Michael Sr., nephew David Watkins, special uncles Rollin Clayton, Sr., Warren Clayton Sr., and special friend James Sharpe. Barbara is survived and dearly missed by sons Garnett Leathers Jr., Garland Leathers Sr., daughter Paige (Maurice) Suttles, grandchildren G’Ante’ Leathers, Sydnee Leathers, Meagan Leathers, Garland Leathers Jr., Taleah Leathers, great-grandchildren Maurice (MJ) Suttles Jr., Laila Suttles, Jaxson Gisentaner, Giovanni Gisentaner, Geonni Leathers, and Ju’elle Thompson, Chaz Brantley Jr., special nieces Yolanda Watkins, Stephanie Watkins, Jessica Watkins, Brianna Watkins, Journey Lumpkin, Jrue Lumpkin, special nephews Dion Watkins, Martin Hill II, bonus sons Garnett Jones, Gary Jones, bonus daughters, LaDonna Johnson, Danielle Peters, lifetime friend Garnett Leathers Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.