Barbara Ann Bard

Barbara Ann Bard was born February 20, 1941, in Ohio County, KY, the daughter of the late Mord Finn and Mary Ann (Fant) Finn. She transitioned to the loving arms of God on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the age of 83. Barbara grew up in Ohio County, Kentucky surrounded by the love of a large family as she was the baby of thirteen children. She accepted Christ as a small child and was an active member of Barnes Chapel U.M.C. in Beaver Dam, KY where she began playing piano at the age of 13. She graduated from Western High School in Owensboro, KY in 1958 a year early because she was able to skip a grade. After her union with Lenzell Bard Sr., she moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1963. She retired from the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation as a Teacher’s Aide after 27 years of service. Barbara was a member of Cleaves Memorial C.M.E. Church having joined under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Hoyt, Sr. During her membership, Barbara served as a Missionary, Youth & Young Adult Advisor, active member of the Culinary Committee, and 54 years as the choir’s pianist. She was a devoted and faithful member of Cleaves until she could no longer attend.

For many years, Barbara played a vital role in the church’s Fall Festival booth. The revenue from her Chess pies made the fundraiser a huge financial success for the church. Sold by the slice or as whole pies, Barbara’s pies became so popular that people from across the city ordered them for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her recipe was passed on to her daughters who continue her legacy.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 8 brothers: Nolan Sr., Palestine Sr., Marshall, Robert, Archie, Thilbert, Herman Sr., and one brother who passed in infancy. 3 sisters: Dorothy, Martha, and Betty. 

Barbara Bard is survived by her daughters: Sherry, and Sandra, and son Lenzell “Lenny” Jr. (Shateka) all of Evansville, IN; 8 grandchildren: TeAsha Watt, Antonio “Rahmon” Petty, DeVante Pettus, David Scott, Trinity Willett, Braelyn Smith, Alyx Smith, and Jahlen Bard; 6 great-grandchildren: Zadrien, Armond, Myla, Zakari, Sahmon Petty, and Devine Bragg; Sister: Rosie Jones and a niece who is like a sister, Patricia Daniels; Sisters in law: Bobbi Bard of San Jose, CA, Marie Wilson-Finn of Hardinburg, KY, Mary Harriford of Flint, MI, Martha Bard of Grand Blanc, MI; A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara also had two bonus daughters: Veronica Freels-Fleming (Bryan) and Sheila Bledso (Ricky) in addition to special long-time friends, Ms. Rita Tolliver, Ms. Burna Boyd, and Ms. Ann Bard.