Barbara Ann Howse was born on January 20, 1947, to Hiawatha and Pauline Howse in Helena, Arkansas. She was the only daughter and firstborn of five children including brothers Winston, Bernard, Kenneth, and Edward (deceased). The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio when Barbara was 11 years old where she continued her education at Cleveland Public Schools. She graduated from John Adams High School in 1964.

Barbara met Fred P. Hatcher, Sr. while attending John Adams High School, and they were married on November 15, 1969. From this union, sons Fred P. Hatcher, Jr. and Andre K. Hatcher were born. Barbara was also Grandmother to Arianna and Jayden Wilder. Fred P. Hatcher, Sr. passed on January 20, 2003.

In pursuit of higher education, Barbara attended Cuyahoga Community College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Barbara began her nursing career at Mt. Sinai Hospital before joining the Veterans Administration Hospital in 1972. She would retire from the VA Hospital in 2021 after devoting nearly her entire nursing career to being a patient advocate and serving those who had served our country. Barbara was recognized for excellence in service and promoted to Nursing Supervisor where she would serve for over 20 years.

Barbara was baptized at 9 years old and was a long-time member of Avon Baptist Church (since its inception) with Rev. Chapman. Barbara enjoyed shopping, traveling, sewing, and gardening.