Barbara A. Rust

Barbara Ann (Davis) Rust was born in Washington, D.C. to Coley and Lucille Davis on June 6, 1933. She enjoyed a delightful childhood along with her four sisters Elizabeth, Catherine, Norma and Colleen. During their late elementary and junior high school years, the Davis girls resided in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia with their grandmother, Mary Love Williams. There Barbara was taught by her grandmother to become the ‘leader and protector’ of her 4 sisters. This included doing everything from cooking, cleaning, hunting and being ready to guard the house against anyone or anything that did not belong on the property.

Upon returning to Washington, D.C., Barbara enrolled in the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School where she pursued her love of music and passion for playing the violin; something that she would later pass on to each of her children.

Barbara began her working career at the National Institutes of Health as a laboratory technician. Her subsequent work in the Federal Government included serving as a clerk with the U.S. General Accounting Office, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The last half of her work history included service as a clerk, office manager, and timekeeper with the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Barbara was known for her sense of humor, generosity, delicious macaroni and cheese, completing crossword and word-find puzzles, and a penchant for being on time. Her motto was, “If you arrive on time, you are already late”. She was also an avid reader and a loyal fan of the Washington Nationals and Washington Commanders sports teams.

Without a doubt, Barbara’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She would share stories about her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with anyone who was willing to listen. Her dedication to them knew no limits.

Barbara began her faith walk at an early age. She was baptized at the Ebenezer AME Church in Washington, D.C. Later in life Barbara became a member of Zion Church, and during the Pandemic she continued to worship by listening to Zion’s broadcast as well as attending Woodstream Church outdoor services. Both congregations will miss her kindness, and loving presence.

Barbara Ann (Davis) Rust was predeceased by her parents, four sisters; daughter,Toni Ann Robinson (Vernon), grandson, Jacai D. Colson, and ex-husband, Philip M. Rust, Sr. She is survived by son Philip M. Jr. (Toni), daughters Adrienne L. Mercer, and Sheila M. Colson (James); grandsons, Johnny M. Adams, Jr. (Diana), Bobby J. Allen, II (Frances), Jason C. Rust (Diana), Jurea Colson, and Nathan Mercer; granddaughters Terika Gruenwald (Jeff), Jovonne Alcalde (Edward), Ashanti Neches (Russell), and Makeeda Robinson; great-grandchildren Will, Tony, Sydney, Brayden, Jacob, Ziya, Celia and Quentin. In addition, Barbara will be mourned by her beloved nieces, Sandra (Joseph), and Crystal (Tony), nephews Anthony, Michael, Joseph, Curtis, Donnell (Dorothy), Dwayne (Brenda), Wilbert, and Brian (Kathy), and a host of relatives, neighbors, and friends.