Barbara Jean Beaty was born, on September 1,1941, to the late Lawrence Leake, Sr. and the late Wilhelmina McClure Leake, in Spartanburg, SC. She was educated in the Spartanburg County schools. Barbara was a loving, kind and gentle soul. She was noted for feeding and sheltering many from her neighborhood. Barbara was "the life of the party" and enjoyed dancing. In her early years, she was a member of Stephen Grove AME Zion Church.

She was preceded in death, along with her parents, by husband, Ernest W. Beaty, Sr.; son, Ernest Beaty, Jr.; and grandchildren, Toney Irby, Jr. and Lawanda Beaty.

Barbara leaves a lifetime of love and memories to daughters, Wanda Beaty, Theresa Beaty and Janice Beaty all of Spartanburg, SC; sisters, Vinie B. Hemphill, Annie W. Moore, and Johnnie M. Swinson all of Spartanburg, SC; special grandson, Terrance Beaty of the home; special friend, Dorothy Glenn; a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Barbara transitioned peacefully at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home.  She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.