Barbara Ann Suddeath Humes, the third child of Hazel Fisher Suddeath Stewart and Thomas Suddeath Jr. was born in Dayton, Tennessee on January 4, 1946. She was a bright and inquisitive child who always had a book in her hand. Barbara acknowledged and accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. In 1959, she joined Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church where she served throughout her young adult life. She attended school at William Hooper Councill High and later graduated from Alabama A&M University with undergraduate degrees in Math and Physics. While attending Alabama A&M University, Barbara met her college sweetheart, Fred T. Humes, Jr. whom she married after completion of his service in the military. Both Barbara and Fred worked at Computer Sciences Corporation in Huntsville, AL before relocating to Texas.

Shortly after moving to Texas, Barbara and Fred were blessed with their daughter, Traci Nicole Humes, who made their family complete. Barbara's total and absolute passion was for her Lord and her family. While living in Garland, Texas, she and her husband, Fred, united with St. Luke A. M. E. Church where Barbara worked tirelessly with the youth for many years. She later joined Amity Bible Church where she served until her death.

Barbara and Fred were both employed at E-Systems, Inc. in Greenville, Texas, where they were two of the first African Americans ever to serve in management roles. Following her employment with E-Systems, Barbara worked for more than 20 years for Oryx Energy (formerly Sun Oil Company). She later worked as an Adjunct Professor at Richland College in Richardson, Texas teaching computer software courses. At the time of her death, she was employed with Austin Industries, Inc. for whom she had worked for 21 years. During her tenure at Austin, Barbara worked in many capacities, including Information Systems, Human Resources, and Project Controls and was an integral part of Austin's team and served as the go-to resource for many employee-owners.

Barbara had a lifelong passion for learning and teaching. In addition to continuing her own education and earning a master's degree in English as well as earning and maintaining several Microsoft certifications, she worked tirelessly to support the education of others. Any time an opportunity presented itself to assist young people, Barbara always rose to the occasion because she believed that education was the key to success. In the community, Barbara served as a tutor for anyone who wanted to learn. She was recognized by staff at Lakeview Centennial High School for her work on the Campus Improvement Committee where she tutored students in algebra, chemistry and calculus. For many years Barbara served as a member and officer in the local chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. She maintained connection with high school friends through the William Hooper Councill Alumni Association.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Fred and her parents, Hazel Stewart and Thomas Suddeath, Jr. Loving memories will be cherished by her daughter, Traci; three sisters, Marion Hairston, Sharon Franklin (Francis) and Karen Hughes (John); two brothers, Retired Master Sergeant Robert Suddeath (Sally) and James Suddeath; seven nieces, Adrienne Davis, Richelle Walker (Demetrius), Kari Jamar (Reginald), Carol Suddeath, Jacqueline Suddeath, Nicolette Camacho and Katherine Webster; five nephews, Derek Hairston, Christopher Suddeath, Cordell Franklin, Kevin Hughes (Jeaux) and Kenneth Hughes, first cousin Dorothy Matthews (Lawrence); sister-in-law, Marva Brocks Jordan (Ferrell); brother-in-law, Willie Anthony Humes (Clara); cherished friends, Lynell Bland Ellison and Sylvia Dillard as well as a host of other family members and friends.