Barbara Jean (Waller) Swain passed away on April 15, 2017 after a courageous struggle with cancer. She was the eldest child of the late Lucille (Jones) Waller Silver and Samuel Waller. She was born January 18, 1943 in Fieldale, Virginia. Her siblings Naidene Waller Nelson of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Melvin Waller, Sr. (deceased).  Barbara is also survived by her children Monica J. Swain, Arnet Swain Harris, Yvette T. Joyce, her husband Michael T. Joyce, Elijah Swain and their brother Zachary Swain. Finally, she is survived by her pride and joy grandchildren Malik Harris, Matthew Whitlock, Katharine and Kevin Swain, Hope Lucille Joyce, Joseph Brouillard and Guliana Wilkinson.   

   Barbara was a remarkable woman of love and compassion, who worked hard all her life to be a loyal and dedicated friend to all who knew her, and a dedicated and loving mother. She moved to Massachusetts from Virginia when she was 13 years of age, and later married the recently deceased Elisha Swain. Together, they had 4 wonderful children. Even through divorce, as a blended family, they remained committed and strong. Barbara was a model of everything a mother should be, and remained fiercely close with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her many dear friends.

   In her late thirties, while her youngest two children were still finishing high school, Barbara returned to college to gain her Master of Education degree from Cambridge College in 1982. She subsequently obtained professional employment at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries and other companies providing years of care for developmentally disabled individuals of all ages.

   A deeply spiritual person, Barbara was a truly inspirational and humble woman who loved deeply and fully. She delighted in quietly bestowing her blessings on others. She will be sadly missed by her many family members and dear friends.

   All are welcome to calling hours Sunday 3-5 pm at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton, MA. Her funeral service will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 24 Pleasant St., Brockton, MA followed by the burial at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Brookhaven Hospice, 114 Turnpike Rd., Suite 206, Westborough, MA 01581.   

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