Barbara Ann Burnett, daughter of the late George Eddie Burnett and Frances Duretta Burnett, was born November 17, 1958, in Newport News, Virginia. She grew up in the Aberdeen section of Hampton, Virginia, attended Bethel High School, and graduated in 1976. At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined First Baptist Church East End, where she was a dedicated member of Sunday School and the Nursing Ministry.

She was united in holy matrimony with William Howard Ray in Buffalo, New York, on April 30, 1994. This union was blessed with one child, Jennifer Anika Ray of Buffalo, New York.

Barbara attended Virginia Commonwealth University and received a degree as a Registered Nurse. She began her nursing career in 1980 at Whittaker Memorial Hospital. Barbara then began to work at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1985. Barbara served a total of 32 years at the VA Hospital between Buffalo, New York and Hampton, Virginia in a variety of positions, including the Emergency Department and as a Care Manager in the Prime 2 Clinic.

She leaves to mourn her daughter, Jennifer, and her twin brothers, Eddie Lee Burnett and Edward Charles Burnett (Gwendolyn), and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service will be held 12 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025 at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church on Saturday.  If you are unable to attend the funeral service on
Saturday, the service will be available via livestream by going to the church's website at www.myfbcee.org , YouTube or First Baptist Church East End on Facebook.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.