Barbara Lena Sampson Brown departed this life on April 24, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Riverview, Florida, surrounded by loving family.

Barbara was born on January 24, 1942, in Kent County, Maryland, to the late Loretta Ollie Wallace and Harry Edward Sampson. She received her education at the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, Maryland, where she developed not only academically, but also athletically and socially.

Barbara never viewed her non-hearing as a limitation. Instead, she embraced life with determination and excellence. Gifted with remarkable speed and discipline, she became an accomplished runner. Through hard work, community support, and dedication, she refined her technique and athletic ability, earning the honor of representing the United States in the Deaf Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. In 1961, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the Silver Medal in the 100-meter event—an accomplishment that brought pride to her family, community, and country.

Barbara enjoyed a fulfilling career before retiring from Black & Decker. Her Christian faith remainedto her life. While residing in Maryland, she was a faithful member of Fountain Methodist

Church in Big Woods and Bethel A.M.E. Church in Chestertown. In 2007, she relocated to Florida to enjoy her retirement closer to her family. There, she joined First Baptist Church of Brandon, where she found joy in worship and fellowship, particularly as a member of the Deaf Choir.

Barbara found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved visiting Ocean City, Maryland, and Disney World, tending to her flowers and houseplants, and spending meaningful time with her family. In 2014, she became the matriarch of the Wallace-Simmons family, a role she carried with grace, faith, and unwavering commitment. She faithfully fulfilled every duty, task, and responsibility with love and spiritual guidance.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 61 years, David W. Brown; her sons, Darnell L. Brown and David E. Brown; her grandchildren, Danisha F. Brown, Nicole V. Brown-Sana, and David E. Brown, Jr.; her great-grandchild, Mia Francesca Sana; and her brother, Frederick

Douglas Sampson Sr and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Noland Harry Sampson Sr and Stanford Lincoln Sampson Sr. Though Barbara has departed from this earthly life, her legacy of love, faith, and perseverance will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.