Mr.  James Maurice Barber, Sr., 77, affectionately known as Maurice or "Reece," transitioned to eternal life (at home) on Friday, January 22, 2021 surrounded by family. He was born in Winston-Salem, NC on September 14, 1943, to the late Louise Barber Hawkins and Ammie Manning and reared by Louise and Lloyd Hawkins. Maurice attended the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. After completion of his studies at Paisley High School, he enrolled in the United States Navy where he received the National Defense Service Medal. He served his country for seven years (1961-1968) and earned his honorable discharge.

After his years of Navy service, he spent his life mentoring the young and old. Maurice had the gift of "gab" and never met a stranger. For several years, he operated a successful home interior business, "Maurice Interiors"; he enjoyed the beautification and transformation of homes through his vision and hard work. He was well-traveled and loved to share stories of his life experiences with anyone who would listen. He had a fashion sense like no other! Maurice was the Chaplain of the McCollum Family Reunion. He was also the President of his Neighborhood Watch group and an active member of the Forsyth County Democratic Party. He was a former member/Deacon of Ambassador Cathedral and a member of Mount Sinai Full Gospel Deliverance Center where he attended until his health began to decline.

In 1971, Maurice married his "soulmate", Constance (Connie). Maurice and Connie celebrated 49 years of marriage and raised two children (James Jr. and Rochelle Smith). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Jacquelyne Barber. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Connie; his children, devoted granddaughter Kelsea Yarbrough; brother, Michael Friday (Mary); sister, Rev. Yvonne Hines; devoted niece, Chenita Johnson (Paul); brother-in-law, Harwood Jones (Cheri); cousin, Sherill Rutherford (Sam); cousins, Jovita, Nancy, Kevin and Arthur; devoted friends, John "Spanky" Hayes and Benny Wofford; godson, Keith Wells (Ann); friend, Fred Phifer; the "neighborhood fellows" and a host of family and friends. Maurice was a devoted family man and left a lasting impression on whomever he encountered. He will be deeply missed and cherished by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank Trellis Supportive Staff who provided exceptional services of comfort. Those who wish to remember Maurice in a special way, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cancer Services, 3175 Maplewood Avenue, Winston Salem, NC 27103 and/or Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

He will repose Sunday, January 31, 2021 between Noon and 6 pm at Hooper Funeral Home. A service of remembrance will be held at Noon, Monday, February 1, 2021 at Mount Sinai Full Gospel Deliverance Center, 2721 Manchester Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 (Visitation, 11:30 am).  Interment will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, NC 28144.

"May the work I've done, speak for me."