Barbara Mendes

Barbara Jane (Hunter) Mendes 1-4-1928 to 9-28-2012 Barbara Jane (Hunter) Mendes passed away on September 28, 2012, at the age of 84. A native of Colorado Springs born to Samuel C. Hunter, Sr. and Elmira Jane (Wheeler) Hunter, she graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1946 and from West Virginia State College in 1950. Barbara had a long civil service career as a court stenographer at Ft. Carson. She was a life-long member of Payne Chapel AME Church, and a charter member of Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was preceded in death by her former husband Filomeno Mendes. Barbara was an enthusiastic and active member of her family, church and sorority. She was a loyal friend to many, always interested in the well-being of others, and offered her love and support with her caring spirit and frequent contact. Steady in her devotion and commitments, she was an anchor that could be counted on. Barbara will be remembered for her thoughtfulness expressed by sending a card for every birthday, anniversary, holiday or gift acknowledgement. She single-handedly kept the Colorado Springs branch of the US Postal Service in operation. Daring in her middle age, Barbara learned to ski after age 50 and enjoyed crisscrossing the slopes of Colorado with friends and family for a number of years. Barbara was known for her cookbook collection and constantly asking, “What are you cooking for dinner?” as a testimony to her love of cooking and baking. She often expressed her love to others with a delicious soup or dessert. Barbara supported community youth through various activities including volunteering for the annual African-American Youth Leadership Conference held every year at Colorado College. She leaves to cherish her memory her brother Samuel C. Hunter, Jr. and sister-in-law Minnie Ray, nephew Samuel C. (Tripp) Hunter, III, nieces Jocelyn Hunter Bailey and Carol Hunter, cousins Reginald and David Washington and their families, a grand niece and grand nephew, two great-grand nephews, and many cousins, countless friends and neighbors. The memorial service and Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Payne Chapel AME Church, 3625 Marion Drive, Colorado Springs, 80909. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Payne Chapel AME Church Benevolent Fund, to the scholarship fund for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (P.O. Box 15235, Colorado Springs, CO, 80935), or to a charity of your choice in her name.