Cheryl Diane Hughes Barber, 66, formerly of Germantown, a development executive with nonprofit organizations, died Jan. 5 at Abington Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Barber, who had been living in Jenkintown for the past eight years, retired in 2017 as director of corporate advancement for Childfirst Services Inc. and Baptist Children’s Services.
From 2013 to 2014 she was director of development and communications for the capital campaign at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Center City and earlier had been assistant director of development at Germantown Friends School.
A talented grant writer, fundraiser and relationship builder, Mrs. Barber had leadership roles in and ties to multiple organizations throughout Philadelphia. Throughout her career, she served as a board member and volunteer for many Philadelphia nonprofit organizations serving indigent families throughout the region, including the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network. She was known to be a tireless advocate for the vulnerable youth and families that her organizations served.
Raised in Mt. Airy, she was a graduate of Olney High School and what is now Cheyney University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics.
She was an avid reader and writer, a live-music enthusiast, a theatergoer and a wine connoisseur. She practiced yoga for more than 10 years and had just fulfilled a long-standing interest to learn the art of Tai Chi.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Edd M. Barber; daughters Grace and Angela; her father and mother, Leon and Queen Hughes; brothers Steve and Brian Hughes; sisters Melanie, Carol and Angel Hughes; and a grandson. A brother, Leon Hughes Jr., preceded her in death.
A memorial service was held Jan. 15 at the Second Baptist Church of Germantown.
