Anna C. DeBarr, 97, formerly of Follansbee and Wellsburg, WV was led home by angels where The Lord has placed the last jewel into her crown on the morning of February 28, 2024. Anna resided at Concordia at the Orchard in Butler PA and previously resided at Heritage Village, Gerry, NY from July 1996 until July 2014.

Anna was born on January 31, 1927 in Chillicothe, Ohio; the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Bernard Downs. In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her husband in 2013.

She ran off with the love of her life, Duran, “Buck” DeBarr, eloping to Greenup, Kentucky and were married on September 25, 1943. They lived their lives always with heaven as their goal. Their generous spirit reached out in love to many people, helping them to enrich their own lives.

Anna served as the pastor’s wife of the former Follansbee Free Methodist Church and the Avella Free Methodist Church before moving to Rochester NY in 1966 to support her husband in his life-long dream of earning his BA Degree in Religion and Philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY.

Throughout their marriage and ministry, she proved herself to be the ideal pastor’s wife having an extraordinary gift for hospitality and a true servant’s heart for serving others.

Anna comforted many homesick and hungry college students with great meals and lots of chocolate chip cookies and brownies.

Anna retired from Bausch & Lomb, Rochester New York in 1991.

Anna was particularly gifted with needle and thread skills for doing beautiful embroidery and quilting needlecraft work. Until her eyesight became an issue, her hobbies included working puzzles, coloring, and reading. She loved volunteering.

In addition to her parents and husband, Anna’s family in heaven to greet her are her daughter, Josephine “Joey” DeBarr; a son-in-law, Jack Leary; a sister and four brothers.

Anna is survived by three devoted daughters, Janet Leary (Ray Wohnhas, companion) of Follansbee, WV, Judy (Ronald) Penrod of Follansbee, WV, and Linda (Rich) Smith of South Carolina; four caring grandchildren, John (Linda) Leary, Brian (Linda) Richardson, Tim Richardson, and Cheryl Penrod, three cherished great grandchildren, Johnna Leary, Meghan Richardson, and Garrett Duran Richardson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who loved and cared for her; particularly, Rachel and Kathy Lefever whom Anna claimed as part of her loving family. We also thank her faithful friend, Diane, for her steadfast support and encouragement.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 11:00 AM until time of Funeral Service at 1:00 PM at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee WV (304)527-1717, with Reverend Forrest States officiating.

Interment will follow at Saint John Cemetery Haven of Rest, Colliers, WV.

Donations in her memory may be made to The Foundery Church/Building Fund, 1340 Washington Pike, Wellsburg WV 26070 or Good Samaritan Hospice, 116 Browns Hill Road, Suite100; Valencia PA 16059

Your invited to visit www.chambersandjames.com to celebrate Anna’s life through condolences and stories.