Barbara Jean Carr obit

Barbara Jean Carr

January 9, 1941 — April 15, 2026

 

She was not on the list.

Barbara Jean Carr, 85, Maryville, IL passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on January 9, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to Ezell Crosby and Idella Crosby. She was raised in Elmwood Park (St. Louis) and attended Ladue School District. Barbara worked for Vactec for over 25 years. Barbara shared a loving marriage of 40 plus years with her late husband, Charles Henry Carr Jr., with whom she raised their four children. In later years, she found love again and was united in marriage to Bill Greensmith, who remained by her side.

Barbara lived a life full of strength, resilience and talent, with a deep love for reading, learning, playing the piano and a commitment to living a healthy life.

Barbara was a gifted and accomplished blues singer whose voice and presence left a lasting mark on the St. Louis music scene and beyond. A native of St. Louis, she began singing in church at a young age and went on to perform with notable artists including Oliver Sain, Solomon Burke, Little Milton and Rufus Thomas. In 1966, she began her recording career at Chess Records in Chicago, IL. She was best known for her hit record, Good Woman Go Bad released in 1984. The record became a St. Louis classic. Over the course of her career, she recorded multiple albums and became a respected voice in blues and soul music, earning recognition such as the Jus’ Blues Music Award and The National Blues Museum Award. She toured internationally, sharing her music with audiences around the world. Her music, rooted in passion and authenticity, connected deeply with audiences and contributed to the rich legacy of blues music.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Greensmith. Her children: Margaret Dennis (former spouse, Gilbert Dennis), Charlesetta Carr, Vicky Hacker (Michael Hacker) and Charles (Chuck) Carr III. Her grandchildren: Keeghan Carr, Teresa Dennis, Tia Cornelious (Jamal Cornelious), Samantha Robinson (Mark Robinson), Cameron Carr, Alexis Carr, Salena Davidson, Jasmine Dennis, Charles Christopher Carr. Her Siblings: James Crosby, Loretta Tunstall, Gracie Williams (Lee Williams) Robert Crosby and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Charles Carr Sr., her father, Ezell Crosby, her mother Idella Crosby, her sister Wanda Crosby and three brothers Ezell Crosby Jr., Willie Crosby, and Kenneth Crosby.

In accordance with her wishes, services will be held privately with family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara’s honor to Siteman Cancer Center. Donations may be made online or by mail to support cancer research and patient care.