Jessie Lee Barber was born August 20, 1931 in Marengo County, Alabama to the late Leo and Margaret Barber Sr. He was the eldest of four children.

Jessie graduated from U. S. Jones High school in Demopolis, Alabama as class valedictorian in 1951. He joined the U.S military serving in the Army during the Korean War.

Jessie was united in holy matrimony to Mary Ethel Birl on October 13, 1951 and to their union, 7 children were born.

Jessie confessed his life to Christ at an early age in Demopolis, Alabama. He later joined Forty-fifth Street Baptist Church and served as a member of the congregation for more than 55 years. He faithfully served as a member of the Deacons Ministry. He had also served as Sunday School Superintendent and in other various areas of ministry.

Jessie was employed for over 30 years with American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO).

Jessie Barber was a very loving person and enjoyed his family.

Deacon Jessie Barber entered into eternal rest on June 23, 2025. He is reunited with his loved ones that preceded him in death - wife of 71 years - Mary; parents- Leo and Margaret Barber, Sr.; sons - Jessie Jr., Cornelious, Juan and Leroy Barber; sisters - Susie Robinson and Claudia Baldwin; brother -  Leo Barber Jr.; Grandson - Jamal Sauls; and son-in-law - Robert Clarke.

He leaves to cherish his memories; daughters - Margaret A. Clarke, Jacqueline J. Tolbert and Larena Michelle (Lamonte) Jackson; a son -  Alphonso (Regina) Barber all of Birmingham, AL; daughters-in-law - Dr. Martha Barber and Nove' Barber of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren William Tolbert, Jason Tolbert, Karla Clarke, Kanisha Clarke, Dupree Sauls, Ashley Brown, Jacqueline (Tevin) Griswold, Tara (Walter) Cunningham, Tenisha Baskerville and Felicia Parker; great-grandchildren - Kyler Jackson, Kaulin Jackson, Kaylin Jackson, Victoria Free, Hillary (Corey) Smith, Ashley Dunlap, Harmony Sauls, Cameron Sauls, Raelynn Sauls, Kaiyah Clarke, Kaydon Clarke, Tariq Griswold, Avery Cunningham  and Addyson Cunningham; great-great grandchildren - Samson Parikh, Alora Jackson, and Tra'vyon Lee; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.