Mrs. Barbara Jean Middlebrooks Shuman was born to the late Ceasar and
Frances Rhea Middlebrooks on January 22, 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida.
She was educated in the local public schools, graduating from Stanton
Senior High School. Furthering her education, she earned certification as a
Registered Nurse at Richard Grady Memorial School of Nursing in
Atlanta, Georgia. The bachelor's degree was conferred at University of
North Florida.
Early in life, Mrs. Shuman accepted Christ and became a lifelong member
of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, currently under the
pastorate of Dr. Willie N. Barnes, Jr. As an active member of her church,
she served in many capacities, including Deaconess and Stewardess Boards,
Class Leader, Sunday School, and former President of The Women's
Progressive Club. Other affiliations include Charter Member of Chi Eta
Phi Sorority-Jacksonville Chapter, Charter Member of Bold City (FL)
Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.—Gamma Rho
Omega Chapter, and Order of the Eastern Star.
Mrs. Shuman's career spanned over twenty-five years as a Registered Nurse.
Her employment included City of Jacksonville Public Health Unit and St.
Vincents Medical Center, where for a number of years, she served as
Nursing Supervisor. For many years, she served in both capacities
simultaneously.
As a family member, Mrs. Shuman was very proud of her family and their
rich heritage and accomplishments including her daughter; her two accomplished grandsons; her sister and brother-in-law, who is the 24th President
of Edward Waters College and a retired Presiding Elder of the AME
Church, and the accomplishments of her niece and her family.
Mrs. Barbara Middlebrooks Shuman departed this life on Friday, February
10, 2023. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Ms. Angela Shuman Butler; grandsons, Michael D. Butler, II (Rachael) and Marques D.
Butler (Dr. Lorraine); great-grandchildren, Sydney, Naomi, August, and
Myles Butler; sister, Mrs. Deloris Middlebrooks Mitchell (Rev. Dr. Robert
L.); niece, Mrs. Gwendolyn Mitchell Lane (Rev. Ernest J.); a number of
cousins, other relatives and friends.