Barbara Francis Kitt, formerly of the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, died on November 3 at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia. She was 79.
Born in Southampton on September 17, 1936, to Albert and Audrey Marshall, both of whom predeceased her, she was baptized at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church. Known to many as “Barbie,” she was a childcare provider and homemaker until her health began to decline. The Halcum Manor family gave her the nickname “Iceberg Lady.” Survivors said she had a “green thumb” and a flair for fashion. She had a generous spirit and often provided meals, clothing or diapers for families in need, often going to flea markets, which she called “Thalhimers,” to make those purchases for teenage mothers.
In Virginia, she joined the Greater Faith A.M.E. Church, serving on the Life Members Council and Willing Workers.
Ms. Kitt is survived by her husband of 58 years, James H. Kitt; a grandson, Antione G. Kitt, whom she raised as a son; two great-granddaughters, Monica Robertson and Brianna Kitt; a great-great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Robertson; three sisters, Corrine Kellis and Elizabeth Davis of Southampton and Beatrice Williams of Florida; a brother, Albert Marshall Jr. and wife Janice of Southampton; sisters-in-law Kim Winston, Minnie Ann Kitt and Carolyn Robinson, all of Virginia; and many friends and relatives.
A funeral took place on November 9 at the Greater Faith A.M.E. Church. Interment was at the Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery in Virginia.
on Nov 16, 2015