Peola Barr

Peola Barr was born on March 10, 1940, in Sylvester, Georgia, to Pecola Banks and Fred Banks. She was raised among eight siblings, including Janie Morris, Arthur Banks, Clyde Banks, and Martha L. Haley, in a large and loving family that helped shape the caring woman she would become. Although she did not have much growing up, Peola learned early how to persevere, work hard with the help of Jesus Christ, and make a way for herself and those she loved.

Throughout her life, she carried that strength with her, always finding a way to provide for her children and grandchildren, and never hesitating to give her last to family, friends, or anyone in need. Peola’s life journey carried her from Sylvester, Georgia, to Tampa, Florida, then to New York, before eventually settling in Connecticut. After arriving in Connecticut, she made her home in West Haven at 1139 Campbell Avenue, where she took pride in having a home of her own. Throughout the years, she also lived throughout New Haven, Connecticut, before residing at her final home at 93 Liberty Street in New Haven.

A devoted Christian, Peola found strength and comfort in her faith and honored Jesus Christ throughout her life. She was a hardworking and generous woman who opened her doors to anyone in need and lovingly cared for many children throughout her lifetime, along with her own children and grandchildren. She had a deep love for gardening, landscaping, and being outdoors, where she found peace and joy in nature. Peola also loved shopping and enjoyed spending time picking out things for herself and her loved ones. She had a special love for her and Neffy’s beloved cats, Zola and Sweetie (“Sweet Thing”), whose companionship brought her happiness and comfort, and who will always remember her gentle presence and love. She was married to Willie Barr, and after their time together, she later found love and companionship with Lazarus Langley, who remained very special to her heart.

Peola’s legacy lives on through her children, Cleopatra Barr, Jerome Banks, Barnette Barr, and her late son Robert Barr, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Edwin Irizarry (Garcy), Nina Barr (Malika), Novena Langley, Ajah Barr, Giavonna Pringle (Neffy), Jahazeil Barr, Gianni Mumford (Smuga), and the late Jahli Stancil. Peola passed on at Yale New Haven Hospital late Monday night May 18th, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of family. She will be laid to rest in Tampa, Florida, alongside her sister, Martha L. Haley, reunited together in peace. Her life was a reflection of faith, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Peola’s life will be held on Sunday May 24, 2025 at 11:30am at Colonial Funerals 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.

Psalm 23:4–6 (KJV):

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with

oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

John 11:25–26 (KJV)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

1 Corinthians 15:51–53 (KJV)

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (KJV)

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”