Joan E. Barros
Date of Passing:
Barros, Joan Elizabeth (Reels), “Bunny” 90, of Empire Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island passed away peacefully on Sunday August 11, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in South Kingston, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Lester Reels Jr and Marie (Thomas) Reels, she resided in East Providence for the past 25 years and previously resided in Providence for 41 years.
Mrs. Barros was employed with The Urban League of Rhode Island, retiring after 40 years of service. In addition to her duties as Execustive Secretary she later served as the Administrative Assistant for Shelter Operations as the Urban League operated the Welcome Arnold Center for the homeless for the State of Rhode Island.
Ms. Barros knew every client on a first name basis, and they absolutely loved her. Her commitment for caring surpassed a job title as it became a labor of love to not only care, but to counsel, pray, and share the gospel of Christ and restore hope. She dedicated herself to the welfare, safety, comfort, and daily support to all the shelter residents.
She was a fervent Christian who worshipped at The Providence International Baptist Church. She genuinely enjoyed and led a humble life by providing service to others. She will be remembered for her kindness, gentle smile and giving spirit.
She was a member of The Narragansett Indian Tribe; and cherished the childhood memories of family and friends.
She is survived by two sons, Jeffrey J. Barros of Lacombe, LA and Antonio P. Barros Jr. of East Providence, RI, a sister; Geraldine “Judy” Venter of Wakefield, RI, a brother; Floyd “Snooky” Reels of Boca Raton FL, and two step granddaughters; Sandra and Benvinda Santos both of Cranston, RI.
She was the sister of the late Donald Reels and Phyllis Smith. She was also the former wife of the late Antonio P. Barros Sr.
Her funeral service will be held on Thursday August 15, 2024, at 11:30 A.M in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island.
Calling hours are Thursday morning from 9:30 – 11:30 A.M
Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, High Street Wakefield, Rhode Island.
I will always remember Sister Joan fondly. She along with the members of New Life Baptist Church helped introduce me to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sending condolences to Tony and Jeff on the passing of your dear Mother she was apart of the East Side family May u all keep those memories alive in your heart and soul forever….
Sorry for your loss God bless and strengthen your family
I will miss my sister in Christ sooo very much. The chinese suppers we would share as we watched our prophet teachings or a Christian movie. Then end our night at 2 AM with prayer. God blessed me with her friendship for many years and I will cherish them for as long as I live. I know that she is happy and pain free now… I look forward to the day I meet up with her again in our new home “Heaven” with our Heavenly Father”.
To her sons, my prayers for God’s continued comfort through this tough time. Cherish your memories! What a beautiful person she was. I quite sure you knew that. So you both, look forward to your reunion and continue to live the rest of your days in honor of your loving mother.
I am so glad that I have a video of her and my husband(her Dr. Dan) dancing a waltz in our office. That’s what I watch when I can’t see her.
In Christ’s love,
Nancy L Covell-Hochberger
Nancy Covell-Hochberger
My condolences to Barros and Reels family.
So very sorry for your loss, our prayers and condolences for the family.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family during this difficult time.
To Jeff and Tony, I was completely shock to read that Bunny passed away. I was going through the funerals homes and came across her obit. You know I would have been there if I had known. I send my heartfelt condolence to you both.I will keep you in prayer.
My prayers and condolences to the Barros family.
Jeff, sorry for your lost, sending thoughts and prayers of thankfulness during this time in your life. I say “thankfulness” because all those who were blessed to enjoy your Mother’s love. Keep your faith and head held high!
My dear Aunt and spiritual mother, we’ve shared many prayers, tears, laughter, trials, testimonies, thoughts and the list goes on. I rest in the fact of knowing that she is with her Lord and savior whom She loved with all of her being. While she leaves behind a host of loved ones, family and friends she is rejoicing with the Lord who has prepared a place for her and is reunited with many of her family members and friends that have gone on before her. I love you Princess Whatchamacallit and I will miss our times of fellowship and prayers, your constant words of wisdom and encouragement. Your niece Debbie❤
My Deepest Condolences 💐
Rest in peace Bunny <3
Mary Thomas’s granddaughter (Jackie’s daughter, that’s me, Kemi, smile) made a Camping themed toy with a fun reference to Ninigret that is sold at Nordstrom, across the country https://a.co/d/f0vPf7p enjoyed by little kids everywhere and inspired by my time raising my son Henry Thomas Tignor. 🙂 We live in Washington, DC. Aunt Emeline told me about being Black Indians in RI. Remember you and Powwows and life raised under all of you very well…and everything still lives in us. Much love and rest well!
Praise God for all your faithful service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome Home. My prayers are with all her loved ones.
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved sister Joan. Brad and I (Rina) have wonderful memories of her. I especially treasure the shared times we had during different events that we attended over the years. We will miss her, but we are comforted by the fact that she is now in glory with the Lord. May the Lord comfort and bring peace to her two sons, family, relatives, and friends who are missing her dearly.
So sorry for your loss Jeff! She fought the good fight and now she is in the loving arms of the Lord Jesus! Home! God bless and grant you peace and comfort during this time of loss. Love you brother!
Dear Family, mom is home with her Lord. Sympathy to the family. Had great memories with Bunny. Great fun conversations over these years.
She will be missed.
My Condolences to the Barros family and friends🙏🙏
Rest in peace Aunt Bunny. Thank you for all of the good memories and for the many conversations we had over the years. I am comforted to know that you are in heaven now with among fellow saints. My prayers are for your loved ones and that God will comfort them through this time of sadness.
My sincere condolences to the Barros and Reel families, friends and all who knew and loved her. May your many treasured memories help heal your heart. Sending hugs, love and prayers XX’s ❤️❤️ 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Love and prayers are with you.
Our sincerity condolences to our Rhode Island family. Prayers are with you.
From your Virginia family,
Marilyn
Wendy
Kari
Callin
My sincere condolences to the Barros and Reel families and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.🙏🏾
Condolences to the family. She was a beautiful person that I had the pleasure of working with at the Urban League .
Also, She was long time friend with my parents ( that referred to her as Bunny)
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family on the loss of your loved one.
In Sympathy,
Ann McGloshen, Jackie and Nancy Alves
Sending love, condolences, and prayers to the Barrous family.
My Deepest codolence to the family she will truly miss🕊🕊🌹🌹❤️❤️
FAMILY OF Ms,Joan
Barrow
I know your heart may be sadden
I pray for your & peace & comfort.
Hold on to those great
memories of her.
AS A MOM,Friend,and active community
Leader.
You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Our sincere condolences to the Barros and Reels Family.
We pray God grant you strength, comfort, peace that surpasses all understanding, and bless in every area during this difficult time.
Sending condolences and prayers to the Barros and Reels family.