Louise Fannie Barmore's Obituary
Louise F. Barmore, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully departed this life on August 8, 2025. Louise was born on May 8, 1935, to the late Rev. Austin Butler and Nannie Burdell Austin. She was one of thirteen children and was raised in a home filled with strong values and deep faith. She attended Johnson Mountain Elementary in Livingston, Virginia, and graduated from Bedford Training Center in Bedford, Virginia, where she built the foundation for a life led by kindness, integrity, and devotion.
Louise married the late John W. Barmore Sr., a U.S. Tech 5 in World War II, a master brick mason, and a carpenter. Together, they built a life of love and family with their three children.
Louise was a proud and faithful employee of the D.C. Public School System and a Master Barber. She graduated from Cutting Image of Chamberlain Vocational School in 1955 and was known for her exceptional barbering skills. She truly loved cutting hair - it was both a craft and a passion, and also a way to connect with others. She provided haircuts for everyone, even if it meant doing it for free.
She cherished her relationships with her neighbors on High Street South East in Washington, D.C., where they could always rely on one another for the safety of the community. Her warmth and unwavering belief in the goodness of others left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Family unity was important to her, which is why she started the Austin Family Reunion. In addition to being a Master Barber, Louise wore many hats, including caregiver, homemaker, professional photographer, explorer, family historian, organizer, seamstress, skilled craftswoman, gardener, and willing giver for anyone in need. She also taught barbering to students at Spingarn Night School in Northeast Washington, D.C.
Her life motto was:
"If I can help somebody along the way, then my living shall not be in vain."
A godly and virtuous woman, Louise lived her life guided by faith, love, and forgiveness. She was a lifelong, faithful, and dedicated Disciple of Christ. Louise was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for over 70 years, where she served as a Deaconess and nurse.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Barmore Sr.; her parents, Thomas and Nannie Austin; her siblings, Thomas, Prince Albert, Hickson, James, Samuel, Daniel Calloway, Bertta McCoy, Hattie Berry, Lena Foxx, and Emily Turner; and her special niece, Terry Austin.
She is survived by her three children: Janice Stegall (Ivory), John W. Barmore Jr. (Roya), and Ellis Barmore; her daughter-by-heart/niece, Sharon Sneed-Hyman; her loving sisters, Mary Rhodes (Evington, Virginia) and Marion Sneed (Washington, D.C.); her grandchildren, Janetta Hemsley, Megan Stevens, Ellis Barmore Jr. (Crystal), Brittany Wingfield (Anthony), Perry Barmore, Ashante Barmore, Siavash Fallahi, and Natasha Miller; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and goddaughter, Donia Kingsberry.
She will be forever remembered for her kind soul, forgiving heart, joyful spirit, and the unconditional love she gave so freely to so many.
Louise is now reunited with her loved ones - no doubt giving heavenly haircuts!
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