Barbara Ward Farmer, trailblazing gospel singer and faith leader, dies at 74 – The Philadelphia Tribune

Barbara Ward Farmer

Barbara Ward Farmer
Barbara Ward Farmer, a trailblazing gospel singer, educator, and faith leader who influenced generations of singers, pastors, and civic leaders, died April 5. She was 74.
Born Sept. 5, 1950, in Philadelphia, she was the second of six children of the late Elder Edward Sr. and Bishop Lillian Ward. Known for her humility and unwavering faith, Farmer began singing and recording gospel music at an early age and was affectionately known as “Little Miss Barbara Ann Ward.”
She graduated as senior class president from South Philadelphia High School in 1968 and went on to attend West Chester State College, where she founded the school’s first gospel choir. After earning her degree in Spanish education, she began teaching at Wagner Junior High School in Philadelphia, where she established the Wagner Gospel Choir. In 1977, she formed the Wagner Alumni Gospel Choir, which toured nationally and recorded several albums.
In 1995, Farmer became senior pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church of the Living God in Camden, N.J., following in the footsteps of her mother. She was consecrated as a bishop in 2007 within the Churches of the Living God Inc., where she served as liaison bishop for the National Music Department.
Farmer also taught English as a second language in Camden and co-founded LaBar Daycare and the Ward Center for Children. She was deeply active in community initiatives, both locally and abroad.
“She had the personality to get the youth involved and keep them engaged by inserting rhythmic choir clapping, vocal calisthenics, swells, and alternating acapella moments in songs with musical accompaniment,” said Bryan Wilson, former choir member at the Church of the Living God.
“A true shepherd, Bishop Farmer touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, dedication, and unwavering faith, “ her family said in a tribute.
She is survived by her husband, Trustee Lawrence Farmer; children, LaRita, Benita, Sharita Joy (Thorn), and Lawrence IV (Alicia); eight grandchildren; five siblings; and other family members and friends.
Services were held Saturday.
May Funeral Homes handled the arrangements.
jjackson@phillytrib.com 215-893-5719
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