Clarence "Michael" Barber has crossed over to the other side of the rainbow. He passed away quietly on April 13, 2025 in a peaceful and a holy transition.

Michael, 76, was born in Hampton to Clarence Salmon Barber and Mary Alice McGrath Barber on November 3, 1948. He is survived by his sister, Mary E. Cinibulk, and three nieces.

Michael graduated in 1967 from Hampton High School. After high school he moved to Northern Virginia where he lived for 18 years and worked as a very successful mortgage broker and a real estate agent.

While living in Reston, Virginia, he met the Reverend Kenneth A . Bastin. They fell in love and were partners in life for nine years  An unfortunate accident took Ken's life and Michael was devastated.

Michael used his energy to start his work in social justice. He was an activist in AIDS awareness. He also was an active part in the Democratic political party. He worked campaigning for Tim Kaine, Bobby Scott, Mark Warner, and other political leaders.

He founded the AIDS Task Force Of the First Baptist Church of Washington DC, served as a chaplain for the cancer and intensive care units at the Clinical Care Center of National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and completed a course in clinical pastoral education in 1991. Michael joined the United Church of Christ in 1992 and was elected as their national moderator for the coalition for lesbian and gay concerns.

Michael had to leave his work in late 1993 to care for his mother during her chronic illness.  After her passing in 1993, Michael used his energies to answer his call, JUSTICE for all people. He lent his support to create Jack's House, (for AIDS hospice patients). He was an active member in Pflag and Virginians for JUSTICE. If there was an organization that needed help with awareness, Michael was there.

Michael became a member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Hampton.  He was loved by many people and will be missed greatly by family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on May 7, 2025 at 2PM at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions located at 2609 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, VA. Interment will be private. .

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the ACLU of Virginia in Michael's memory.