OBITUARIES

Celebrating the Life of

Lovelie Ardelia Barksdale (Née Garland)

June 15, 1929 – July 31, 2026

With hearts filled with both gratitude and sorrow, we celebrate the remarkable life of our beloved mother, Lovelie Ardelia Barksdale (née Garland), who took her final bow, unafraid and with an open heart, on July 31, 2026, at the blessed age of 97.

A woman of extraordinary resilience, strength, faith, and grace, Lovelie lived nearly a century as a beautiful example of a life well lived, a family well loved, and a faith firmly rooted in the Lord.

Lovelie was born on June 15, 1929, in Mason Chapel, Halifax County, Virginia, to the late Melinda and Willie Garland. The youngest and last surviving of nine siblings, Lovelie was lovingly given her name by her older brother.

Lovelie eventually made her home in Newburgh, New York, where she dedicated her life to her family, her faith, her church, and the community she helped build around her.

Lovelie was the devoted wife of the late Willie Barksdale. Together, they built a family that became one of the greatest joys and proudest accomplishments of her life.

She was the loving and proud mother of five daughters: Deberah Barksdale Toussaint, who preceded her in death; as well as two sons-in-law, Rolly Toussaint & Elmer Buxton. Surviving her are her daughters, Bernadette Buxton; Denise Millard; Malinda Barksdale Mitchell (Aubrey); and Lovelie Barksdale Mc Holder (Dennis). She was also the grandmother to Selina, Jene, Shaunese, Cory, Danielle, and Isaiah, and great-grandmother to Gianna, Jaden, Ne’livia, Serenity, and Zahary.

Her love extended far beyond her immediate family. Lovelie treasured her cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, friends, neighbors, and her beloved Ebenezer Baptist Church family. As well as a special love for her predeceased nephew, Junius Garland.

Lovelie’s legacy will forever be defined by her resilience, her deep devotion to family, her unwavering faith, and her fierce and joyful spirit. She loved the Lord, her family, her church, her community, and the countless friendships she forged throughout her lifetime.

She never met a stranger.

Anyone within earshot could soon hear Lovelie joyfully sharing just how good the Lord had been to her throughout her life. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about; it was something she lived.

Lovelie also understood the importance of bringing people together. She was known for her spontaneous barbecues, her warm hospitality, and her love of gathering family and friends whenever she could.

Whether through food, fellowship, conversation, laughter, or prayer, she created moments that became treasured memories.

Her presence brought comfort.

Her laughter brought joy.

Her strength inspired those around her.

And her faith remained steadfast throughout her journey.

Lovelie’s 97 years were a testament to resilience, compassion, love, faith, and unwavering devotion. While she is no longer with us in body, the lessons she taught, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the faith she demonstrated will continue to live through generations of her family and all those who were blessed to know her.

As we mourn her passing, we also give thanks to God for the extraordinary gift of her life, a life that touched so many and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Lovelie.

You fought the good fight.

You finished your course.

You kept the faith.

Your love will remain in our hearts forever.