Demetrice Rae Barbour

Demetrice Rae Barbour, known affectionately as “Dee”, passed away Friday, November 6, 2026, at Osteopathic Hospital with her loving family at her side.

Born March 14, 1962, in Harrisburg, she was the daughter of the late Patricia E. Barbour and Benjamin F. Lackey (and his wife, Joan). In addition to her parents, Dee was preceded in death by her sister: Towanda Weaver and brother: James Elliott, Jr.

Surviving are her children: Deneyia P. Barbour and Kenyay D. Barbour-Taylor; 9 sisters: Dawn Barbour, Lori Elliott, Roxanne Elliott, Deia Sherrod (Leonard), Kay Carelock, Peggy Morrison, Pricilla Harris, Cynthia Weaver, and Brenda Lackey; 6 brothers: Ron E. Gallatin, Jr. (Jamie), Tim A. Daniels, Sr. (Cindi), Donald Weaver, Jerol Weaver, Dennis Lackey, and Aaron Lackey; many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and other family members; and many “adopted” kids, who came to mean the world to her, and she to them.

Dee was a member and ordained Deaconess at The New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Harrisburg. Prior to becoming a mother, Dee considered herself to be a quiet, shy, a behind the scenes person who enjoyed writing, making art, clerical work, singing in the choir, dancing, and music, especially the R&B/Funk/Soul music of the 80s and 90s.

Mostly, she was a loving mother, sister, aunt and friend. As a single mother of a son with Autism-PDD, Dee has spent almost 30 years advocating for him and anyone else unable to stand up for themselves. She has been involved with numerous organizations, including but not limited to The National Autism Society; the Mother to Mother Luncheon planning committee; The Parent-Teacher Association (as secretary); was the Union Steward at the Defense Depot, Mechanicsburg and the Equal Employment Opportunity Representative at the Mechanicsburg Naval Depot; supported the Big 33 Football Classic, and was an Autism Task Force member. Additionally, she continued educating herself by participating in many seminars to gain further insight in her personal, professional, and parental life. Her dedication has resulted in a daughter with a strong work ethic and principles, and a son who has flourished from being perceived as “low-functioning and non-verbal” to a higher-functioning employed young adult with a lot to say!

Services will be held 12:00 pm Monday, November 16, 2026, at her church, 2339 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg, PA 17110, with Dr. Rodney D. Smalls, her pastor, officiating. There will be a viewing at the church on Monday from 10:30 am until 11:45 am. Private burial in William Howard Day Cemetery will follow the service.

In her memory, and in support of her life’s work, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, her friends and family show support to The Arc of Pennsylvania, The Mother to Mother Luncheon for the Mothers of adults and children with Autism, Big 33 and the Christmas Sensory wishlist for adults with Autism at the following link.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ERGV3ZD847HS/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

The Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.