Valerie Joan Barry

Valerie Joan McCarter Barry, was born to the late Ernest and Eloise DeNeal McCarter in Washington, D.C. on November 12, 1940, the middle daughter of three girls. She was affectionately called “Val” by her family and close friends. Even her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her Val, never grandma because she emphatically insisted, “Call me by my name!” And that was Val, untraditional and always unapologetically herself.

Val grew up on 10th Street, NW, attended D.C. public schools and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She was an accomplished pianist and played with great passion, winning several contests. One of her favorite musical contemporaries was Richard Smallwood, whom she had the pleasure of meeting.

Val fell in love with a tall, dark and handsome man from Takoma Park, Maryland, named Ollie Barry. Ollie could dance and so could Val with those long pretty legs. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1959, and were blessed to have two beautiful children, Cheryl Leigh and Bryan Eugene. The family joined Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. Val served as pianist for the youth choir and the Male Chorus. The Male Chorus were well-known and often sought out for engagements. People loved to hear her play the piano.

A proud “native” Washingtonian, Val was very active in marches, political outreaches, “Get Out The Vote” campaigns, and staunchly supporting Statehood for the District of Columbia. A participant of the Civil Rights Movement, Val was passionate about fighting for equality for all Black Americans. As a proud Black woman, she was never one to silence her voice and instilled that courage in her children and grandchildren.

Valerie worked in various positions within D.C. Government before her retirement in 1992-93, including the esteemed position of Secretary of the District of Columbia. She was dynamic, intelligent, well-spoken, outspoken, and inspirational. Valerie worked passionately and tirelessly for members of the D.C. City Council, Dave Clarke, Sterling Tucker, and as an appointed staff position by the former Mayor Marion Barry, whom she loved dearly.

After her retirement from DC Government, Valerie worked briefly in real-estate and also held a senior position at the Wilson Center for Public Research where she quickly became an office favorite. She also enjoyed taking Tai Chi and swim aerobics classes at the senior center with her dearest “Silver Senior” friends. She especially enjoyed spending precious time with her grandchildren. She famously hated shopping, but would take her granddaughters often to bring smiles to their faces. Val loved being surrounded by her family and frequently gathered her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren together for dinners at her favorite local restaurants. Val also loved being by the water. She made wonderful memories spending time with family at Chincoteague, Virginia, exploring the Virgin Islands with friends and feeling right at home in the rich culture of Jamaica.

Val went peacefully to be with the Lord on May 16, 2023. If Val loved you, she loved you fiercely, and what an honor it was to be loved by her.

Val was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son, Bryan. She leaves to cherish her memories, Ollie Barry and her daughter Cheryl (Dave); two granddaughters, Andrea Greene (James) and A’Leighsha Butler (Etienne), five great-grandchildren, Jasmyn, Jada, Jordyn, Ayden, and Cullen, one expected great-great-grandchild, Clover, two sisters Eloise “Teenie” and Henrietta, a niece and nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as a host of cherished friends.

Adherent to Val’s wishes, her interment ceremony will be private followed by a celebration of life party to be held on August 26, 2023 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Vicino’s Restaurante Italiano, 959 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. We look forward to honoring a life well lived with all that loved Val.