Barbara Ann “Richards” Lemons passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on June 6, 2016 at the age of 81 surrounded by loving family and friends. Barbara, a lifelong Arizona native, was born in Joseph City. She spent most of her formative years in Safford and graduated from Safford High School. Following high school she married Lawrence “Paul” Lemons and their whirlwind life began.
Barbara’s greatest desire in life was to be a wife and mother. Together, she and Paul, adopted 5 children, William, Scott, Vincent, Cecily and Jody. Barbara spent her life caring for, nurturing, and teaching her children. As Barbara’s children grew her desire to teach not only her children but all children sent her back to school to obtain an Elementary Education degree from Arizona State University. She spent the next 20 years as “Mrs. Lemons” educating hundreds of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders in Miami, Arizona. Barbara retired from teaching in 1993 but remained active in the lives of her children, her family, and her church. She was well known for her active humanitarian work, producing countless items (blankets, rattles, infant hats, hospital bags, picture books and stockings) to comfort and assist those in need.
Barbara is survived by her five children, their spouses, 18 grandchildren and a growing number of great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Paul, her parents, Doc and Merle Richards, and her eldest brother, Richard.
Interment was on June 11, 2016 at Mountain View Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona alongside her husband, Paul. Paul and Barbara, as they were for 58 years, are together once again.
Barbara lived her entire life as a wife, mother, teacher, and humanitarian. No greater titles exist, in this world or the next. She was loved by all who knew her. Barbara lived her life in such a way that her legacy will live on for many generations through her posterity and those whose lives she touched.
Barbara Lemons, Wife, Mother, Teacher, Humanitarian; rest in peace until we meet again.
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