In Honor and Celebration of Jody Lynn Perry Barber An anchor of love, a caretaker, a mother figure to all, Jody always put others before her, always doled out gifts, and always smiled. The epitome of selflessness, Jody proved always willing to sacrifice her time, money, and energy for her family and friends. Jody loved life and walked in positivity. Jody was and forever will be the life of the party.
Born to Barbara Allen and Richard Perry in Passaic, NJ, on 12/18/1963, Jody lived for her family and friends. She was inseparable from her children Frankie, Andre, and Jovan and her grandchildren Jovan Jr., Mason, Joel, Mercedes, Kendal, Amanda, and Justin. Special to her were her relationships with stepsons Randy and Shane. Much loved were her siblings Jill, Joslyn, Candace, Jason, Lynette, and Diane, and her honorary sibling Alquinnlet. Cherished were her in-laws Charles, Tony, Douglas, Yvonne, and Bruce. She adored her daughters-in-law Sasha, Earline, and Luana. Jody devoted herself to her marriage to Frank Barber Sr. and was long ago welcomed into the Barber clan. She loved her aunts and uncle Lorraine, Terry, Florence, Francine, and Ben. She treasured her scores of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A young mother at 18, Jody soared to the occasion proving to be the provider capable of building and holding a family together. There was never a time in her life when she could not find a way to provide the means for her children—they never lacked. She’d plan well in advance, hiding gifts within the house months before a birthday, putting things on layaway or in storage, knowing her plan for gifting.
Entwined in her children and her grandchildren's lives, Jody lavished gifts upon them, worked concession stands, took them to practice, cheered in crowds, and made sure their childhoods were filled with joy, her involvement, and her protection. Even when her children became adults, Jody showed up to their houses immediately with care packages when they would become sick.
Jody enjoyed shopping at stores, outlets, malls, markets, — her ability to negotiate prices was a thing of legend. She loved shoes, purses, jewelry and amassed such a collection through her life that allowed her the flexibility to fine tune her outfits for every occasion; whether it be a black tie affair or a backyard kiddie party, she made sure to show up looking well put together for the occasion. Drawn to the shore, Jody frequented Point Pleasant Beach and Wildwood. She loved to travel and visited islands, joined cruises, and drove up and down the east coast. Her final trip destinations which went unfulfilled were to take a family trip to Paris and to revisit Hawaii.
Jody's passion was people. Her warmth and generosity extended beyond her family to friends and even strangers. She had a gift for making connections, turning coworkers into lifelong friends during her years at Paychex, Raymour & Flanigan, Costco, and as a home health aide. She nurtured not only her own children but also nieces, nephews, and even pets, always showering care. She spread kindness wherever she went, offering compliments to strangers and making everyone around her feel special. To know Jody was to be loved. Jody deeply cherished her relationship with Jovan Jr., sharing a unique connection characterized by love, strength, and togetherness.
By the end of her life, she battled uterine cancer, braved chemo, and fought until her last breath for life.
As a testament to the beautiful soul she was, her final wishes were not for herself, but for her family— that we come together and take care of one another, and that her husband takes care of her family.
The world will never be as beautiful again.
Jody Lynn Perry Barber December 18th, 1963 - February 22, 2025