In the depth of mourning, we find the strength to embrace the beauty of memories and the resilience to welcome a new dawn…

Barbara J. Jean-Baptiste, a native of Indianola, Mississippi, was born on June 22, 1950, to parents Isaac and Emma Dotson. The family relocated to Homestead, Florida, when she was five years old, later settling in Richmond Heights, Florida. Barbara graduated from Miami Killian Sr. High School in the class of 1969. In 2006, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she devoted her life to Christ, embracing her faith.

Barbara began her career at Jefferson Department Store, honing her retail skills, and later continued her career at the Racal-Milgo Data Communication Company in the Micro-Film Department. In her later years, she worked at Heartland in Dietary.

Barbara personified joy always wearing a warm smile that could light up a room. She had an incredible passion for family. Family gatherings and house parties were her absolute favorite as she loved spending time with her sibling’s creating memories filled with laughter and love.

Along with family, the beach had a special place in Barbara’s heart. She found happiness in the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun. Her creative spirit showed in her jewelry design, beautiful flower arrangements and sewing projects.

On February 3rd, 2024, After a brief battle with cancer, Barbara J. Jean-Baptiste transitioned

this life surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her parents Isaac and Emma Dotson, sisters Ruby Bryant, Susie Smith, brothers Albert Dotson and Joe Dotson and her life partner, Joseph Rhines. Barbara is survived by her sisters Addie Marlin and Sadie Lipscomb (Eddie), brother Elmore Dotson (Cheri), children Angela Tomlin (Carl), Rachel Barnett (Pasa), and Darrick Dupree. Her memory will live on through her grandchildren Angelisa, Alexanderia, William aka Tre, Nyah, Owen, Tianna and great grandchildren Shanyha, Antwan, Nicholas, Anthony, Nathaniel, Serenity, DeMarlo Jr, Aaron and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.