Cynthia Shivar Barber of Hampstead, NC, peacefully passed away on April 17, 2026 at the age of 94.

Funeral services to celebrate her beautiful life will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville. The family will warmly receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Graveside services will immediately follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

Cynthia was born on August 11, 1931, in Duplin County, North Carolina, to Troy Shivar, Sr. and Zaner Shivar. She attended school in Jones County and graduated from Jacksonville High School. In November of 1950, she married the love of her life, Charles Grayson Barber. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love, and were blessed with two children, Kathryn Elaine "Kathy" and Charles Grayson "Charlie" Barber, Jr.

Cynthia dedicated many years of service to the Onslow County Clerk's Office before retiring. She was a faithful and devoted member of Antioch Presbyterian Church until her health declined. Her love for her church was evident in all she did—whether creating beautiful crafts, wreaths, and floral arrangements for the annual bazaar or participating in the women's circle. She also served as an elder at Antioch Presbyterian Church making important decisions for the physical and spiritual needs of the church. She was a cherished member of the Homemaker's Club in Jacksonville, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Above all, Cynthia lived out her faith daily through quiet acts of love and service. She cared deeply for her family and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a caring big sister. No matter the circumstances she faced, Cynthia trusted in God's plan and sought to live with grace, strength, and a steadfast spirit.

She found joy in life's simple blessings—traveling, decorating for the holidays, tending her garden, feeding the birds, and preparing delicious meals that brought her family together. One of her greatest joys was hosting the Antioch Presbyterian Church Choir Christmas Party each year, a tradition that reflected her generous heart and love for bringing people together.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her beloved husband and both of her children—losses no mother should ever have to endure. Yet through it all, her faith remained strong and unwavering. What a beautiful and joyful reunion they must now be sharing in Heaven.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her son-in-law, Donnie Maready (Kay) of Beulaville; daughter-in-law, Cindy Barber of Jacksonville; and her grandchildren, Kate Yates (Joel) of Fleetwood, Kari Kellum (Jay) of Jacksonville, Kristin Barber of Jacksonville, Holly Barber of Jacksonville, Danielle Wunker (Danny) of Greenville, and Nathan McIntosh of Jacksonville. She is survived by twelve great-grandchildren whom she adored, as well as her brother, Johnny Shivar (Darlene), and her sisters, Bernice Marshburn, Mary Zunk (Mike), and Sharon Jarman. She is also survived by many members of the Maready family, who embraced her with open arms and lovingly included her as part of their family.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Joel Yates, Jay Kellum, Danny Wunker, Trey Yates, John Emory Yates, and Grayson Wunker.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Woodbury Wellness Center for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Cynthia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, NC.