Helen Barrow Obituary in Shelby at Enloe Mortuary

Obituary For Helen Barrow

Helen Cabaniss Barrow departed this life for her life in Glory on February 20, 2023 at 1:27pm.

She was born to the late Ray Cornelius Cabaniss and Margaret Rogers Cabaniss; delivered by a doctor in their home on July 8, 1936 in Shelby, NC. Starting school at the age of 5 she graduated at the age of 16 from Cleveland School. Helen's desire was to be a Missionary and a Social Worker. At 16 she was recognized as the first Black Debutante, sponsored by the Shelby Negro Woman's Club. Her educational journey started at North Carolina Central University in Durham. This journey lead her to completing a Business degree through her studies at Johnson and Wells in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, NC.

Upon returning to Shelby she helped her father and Uncle as their bookkeeper at the first black owned gas station in Shelby, NC. It was while working there she met her future husband, Franklin D. Barrow, Sr. (now deceased). As the faithful, loyal and committed wife of a career military man, she experienced the adventures, the employment opportunities as a Postal Worker and banking and teaching in Washington, DC and California respectively, her travels to a number of states and overseas, and along with these, she patiently accepted the separations and challenges that came with the life of a military wife.

Upon her husband's retirement from the United States Air Force, they settled in their beloved hometown of Shelby. There she became actively involved with her home church Roberts Tabernacle CME Church as a Missionary, a devoted member and Treasurer. Also at this time she accepted a position at First National Bank of Shelby as one of their first Black American bank tellers. It was for the next 27 years that she would serve not only as bank teller but as an advocate, mediator, and encourager; looking out for the welfare of all who came to her window, during work hours and after hours. She retired from First National Bank as their first Black American Bank teller. It is told that she paved the way and example for many to follow there.

Her life of missions and community involvement extended beyond the bank to the Nursing homes, individual homes, as a Volunteer Hospice worker, a Habitat for Humanity Volunteer and Board member and member of the Shelby City Zoning Board. Her life's accomplishments were recognized in 2011 by the Cleveland Co. Commission for Women as their 2011 Distinguished Woman Award recipient and the 2012 Woman of the Year recipient by the Shelby Negro Woman's Club. Helen loved to travel, reading books with the members of her book club and celebrating the achievements of young women in the county as a member of the Audacian Club.

However one may have known her, whether it was, Helen, Mama, MeMaw, Ms Barrow, Ms Helen, and Aunt Helen or fondly referred to by her father as “Puddin”; you experienced and respected her quiet, gentle strength, that radiant smile and that special place one would feel she held in her heart for them. She was the oldest of 5 children and was looked up to as the strength and matriarch of the family by her siblings, children and grandchildren. Helen Cabaniss Barrow leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Tanzy Barrow Wallace (Stephen), son Franklin Delano Barrow, Jr. (Michelle) her sister, Doris Ann Cabaniss Shipman (Raymond, deceased); her brothers, Rayfield William Cabaniss who preceded her in death (Rebecca), Warren Cornelius Cabaniss (Joan, deceased), Peter Marshall Cabaniss (C'Andrea), Six grandchildren, Nikao Leon Wallace, Stuart Franklin Wallace, Azariah Franklin Barrow (Kaley), Emmanuel Stephen Wallace, Moriah Barrow Aktas (Meric), Simeon Reese Wallace and a special Goddaughter, Rev. Dr. Starr Wright (Eric), her lifelong friends, Rose Borders, Ann Patterson and Yvonne Beam (deceased) along with her nieces, nephews and cousins she dearly cherished.

Visitation of Friends will be on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Enloe Mortuary, 231 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC. 28150 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Roberts Tabernacle CME Church, 414 E. Marion St. Shelby, NC 28150 at 12:00 Noon on Friday, March 3, 2023. The service will be livestreamed starting at 11:45 AM from Enloe Mortuary Facebook page. Interment will immediately follow at Cleveland Memorial Park in Boiling Springs, NC. The family will also receive friends and visitors on Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday, March 1st from 2-6:30 pm at 500 Suttle St. Shelby, NC 28150. Please send all correspondences to: 500 Suttle St. Shelby, NC 28150. All flowers and plants are to be forwarded/sent to: Enloe 28150.Mortuary, 231 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC

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Michelle Sparks sent Eternal Peace Basket for Helen Barrow - March 03, 2023

Sending love to all.
- Lifegroup of EBC

Send flowers for Helen Barrow

W. Scott Guest sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Helen Barrow - March 02, 2023

To the family, may the Most High grant you peace and joy as you reflect on the great life of your Matriarch. You will miss her dearly but cherish her memory always. From Scott Guest and Family.

Eugene T. Sturdivant sent The Peace Lily for Helen Barrow - March 01, 2023

To the Barrow Family With deepest sympathy and condolences. May GOD give you strength and peace during this most difficult time. Love, Eugene and Tonya Sturdivant

Sweet Moments was sent for Helen Barrow - March 01, 2023

Christopher A. Wilson sent Golden Days Basket for Helen Barrow - February 27, 2023

Shelby has lost one of its greatest matriarch! My condolences to the Barrow Family!

Flora Z Elliott sent Peace Lily for Helen Barrow - February 26, 2023

In His Love, to Tanzy, my friend since 1980. Your mother was simply beautiful. We will miss her, but memories are in our hearts. Love, F. Elliott

Debra Patillo sent Beautiful Dreams for Helen Barrow - February 25, 2023

Dear Alumna Link Doris
On behalf of the Fayetteville (NC) Chapter Links Inc we are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you.
Fayetteville (NC) Chapter Links Inc

One of God's Greatest Jewels here on Earth. REst well Mrs. Barrow. Thank YOu for cutting the path for all of us who followed.

Tanzy and Family, Helen was a dedicated Hospice board member and a wonderful Hospice patient volunteer for many years. Her kind, quiet demeanor was a perfect fit for hospice work. Sending peace and love to all during this sad time. Myra McGinnis, President of Hospice Cleveland County

Tanzy and family sending our sincere prayers and condolences, love and thoughts to you for your loss during this difficult time. We are here for you and with you Family🙏🏽 Aja' Briscoe & Family

To the family, Mrs. Barrow was a wonderful woman and friend. My mother has known her for years. I got to know her when I started working and having to cash my check at the bank. She was a delightful lady. I know that it hurts. However, look at yourselves. She left a wonderful legacy, You, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her legacy will continue. Always in our hearts. lynne johnson daughter of Nan Glover Johnson

I'm grateful to have met Mrs. Helen many years ago. Her presence was an inspiration for many. Thank you family for sharing her with many of us. Rest easy Mrs. Helen, job well done! You My deepest condolences, Velvet Briscoe

To the family of Mrs. Helen Barrow A Message of Sympathy In this time of grief, Hold on to the promise of peace, Comfort and Hope. Keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Come unto me, and ye that labour's and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Willie and Cynthia James Fayetteville NC

My love and prayers to the family of Cousin Helen. You were always so very kind and sweet to me. You will surely be missed! Love, Doni Cullens

🙏🏾🌺 I'm so thankful to have gotten to know her before she went to be with our Lord in her Heavenly home. She was loved and will be missed.

To the family and friends,"Sorrow is not forever. Love is."The memories we have of Helen are a precious legacy-Strength, kindness and love for all were a part of her.May memories of her bring all of us peace and reassure us that love endures forever. May God comfort the family and all of us as we grieve. The Fred and Eunice Wright Family

Helen Barrow, one of the most " Beautiful " lady in all that she did and gave. The most " outstanding " job there at First National Bank .So many of us open account there because of her. That bank was known of our kind with business there. We love her and her beautiful smile and her voice. Thank you Heavenly Father for her duties on all that You enable her to do. We all love her and we learn so many things from her. Old Soldiers never die, they fail away. To her family, may God always be in your mist as you live, we pray. Mary Barnhart. Charlotte , N C

My condolences to the family of Mrs. Helen Barrow. I met Mrs. Barrow some years ago when I traveled to Shelby with her sister Mrs. Ann Shopman. Mrs. Barrow welcomed me to her home and treated me with sweet hospitality. She would later have the opportunity to visit my home. Mrs. Barrow was a sweet and kind lady. I will never forget her beautiful smile and the warmth I felt every time I was in her presence. She will be missed by all who knew her and I know without a doubt she is looking down on all of her friends and relatives smiling and hoping we know she will see us again. We love you Mrs. Barrow, now rest in the arms of Jesus. Sheila Vines

We know that there are no words that can ease your pain. Just know that we wiil always be here for you. You are not alone. Know that you now have a very special guardian angel watching over you. Sending love, healing prayers and comfort to you during this difficult time.
Peace, Love & Blessings, Zavier Austin, Saphronia Austin & Family Throne of Grace Church Charlotte, NC

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mrs. Barrow was another mother figure that always supported our goals and celebrated our successes. She will be missed. Her work is done here on earth. God has issued another set of heavenly wings.

I love you dear sister 💕. Until we meet again. Doris Ann Shipman. Submitted by Anjelika Williams

The Barrow Family, So Sorry for Your Loss,My Prayers are with You at this Time.God Bless You All.Sylvia Jones

Helen whom I remember from 1st National Bank whom you could see her beautiful smile before you would get to her counter and she was always helpful and showed concern.Helen taught me how to save money because she would always tell me which account to invest in.such a sweet lady will be missed by many here on earth so Helen go take your rest because you have finished a great task. Mary D.Sims

May The Peace and Love of GOD be with You All during your Hours of Bereavement. Sending Love Hugs and Prayers. Doris McKissick

Tanzy and family my love thoughts and prayers for your loss 💕🙏🏽

To Tanzy; Frankie, Grandchildren and Family, Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 God is with you by your side every step of the way, through comforting words of peace, love and hope. Call on Him for strength and He will give you rest. Helen, my sister her endearing smile and love and care for family, church and others will be missed, but never forgotten. Warren C. Cabaniss. Charlotte, NC