It all started in a city considered to be the southernmost part of The United States of America. A city with a Newspaper that was called, "The Key West Citizen."

The City of Key West may still include all of the Florida Keys and part of the Everglades.  The City Motto is "All People are Equal Members of One Human Family." This Motto was created by a local artist, T.J. Thompson.  How nice it would be if the world used this as a Motto, "One Human Family or Race?"

On Saturday, September 23, 1939, the temperature in Key West, Florida may have averaged between 87 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 to 32 degrees Celsius.  This did not stop the timely birth of Barbara Maria Riou, born to the proud parents of Rupert Riou and Iris Kelly.

Barbara was the youngest of four daughters (Violante Harris, Claudina Taylor, and Lillian McElwee), all of whom predeceased her.

Early Childhood

Barbara was affectionately known as 'Barbie' a beautiful baby girl with lots of silky like hair that would often cause others to play in her hair. She grew up and attended school in Key West and enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and classmates throughout her years there until she ultimately moved to Miami, Florida.

After the untimely death of her older sister Claudina, Barbara adopted and raised her children as her very own and moved them into her one big happy family which included, Iris (James) Pearson, Yniol Adderley, Aaron Adderley, Oscar Julian, Frederick Wilson and Clifton Taylor (predeceased)

Favorite Past-times

Barbara's favorite past-times included spending quality time with her family, and friends whom she loved so much.  Her goal was to keep her family together. She enjoyed traveling, cruises, dancing, parties, and just having an overall 'great time!' She would take many family members every year to visit Key West. We knew her heart was there, and we always obliged these fun trips. Barbara also enjoyed fond memories with her best friend Ms. Dollie Mae who she confided in over the years.

Employment

Barbara was a faithful, committed, and dedicated worker where she spent 25 years at the Beau Rivage Hotel on Miami Beach, Florida and 25 years of service at Mount Sinai Hospital also in Miami Beach where she retired.

Barbara's Faith

Four years ago, she started studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses.  She grew fond of Bible Truths.  She learnt God's name is Jehovah and she called on His name as well.  She was a faithful student of the Bible until her demise.

6 children, 23 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, eight (8) great-great grandchildren, a host of relatives, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.