Barbara Jean Irvin

Barbara Jean Irvin passed away at home in Portsmouth, Virginia on Monday, February 23, 2026. Barbara was born February 2, 1956, in Portsmouth, VA and raised in the Lincoln Park Community. She attended Portsmouth City Public Schools. Barbara joined Saint Mark's Missionary Baptist Church at a young age and later attended Camelot Baptist Church. She was very close with her mother, who taught her at an early age to cook, sew, fish and of course crabbing. Barbara had a strong sense of family and never met a stranger. She was very competitive growing up in Lincoln Park playing baseball, hopscotch, bolo bat, bobby jacks and double dutch. When Barbara went out, she made sure she looked good. Barbara was also known for the "baddest fro" out there in the park. 

She and Morris Arrington grew up together in Lincoln Park and became high school sweethearts. Their caring relationship produced Morris Ford Sr. Life took them in different directions and he left the area. Barbara was the first of her mother’s children to venture out on her own, taking her son with her to Academy Park. She and Morris were always out somewhere when she wasn't working.  She was her sons' biggest fan when they played sports and always encouraged good grades. 

She worked at London Fog as a seamstress for years until the closing of the plant and afterwards she continued working at an alteration shop. While working at London Fog, Barbara not only did alterations, but was gifted in so many other areas. She did upholstery, created wedding gowns, made curtains and a variety of other items. When the time came, she made her son's prom tuxedo. Barbara was quite talented. Morris often said, “my mother can make anything.” During her time at London Fog, she met James Irvin. They began courting and later were married. Their union produced a son, James. They lived in Strawberry Acres in Chesapeake for several years. Barbara and her sister-in-law, Maria were very close. It was a friendship that stood the test of time.

Barbara lived with and cared for her elderly aunt and uncle Mary and Jim and during this time worked for a few personal care companies. She loved helping others and was always making other people laugh. Barbara’s first cousin Eva was her ride or die. Eva was not only her cousin, but she was also her confidant and always kept it real with Barbara. They fished and crabbed together all over Hampton Roads. They shared many great times and the secrets they shared will forever remain untold. One of Barbara’s greatest joys was being called “Grandma”. 

Those who knew Barbara knew she was stubborn and lived life on her own terms. She was very quick to tell you when she didn't want to do something and she just wouldn’t do it. Barbara developed many health issues yet continued to try and make the best of her time here with us. Barbara will be forever adored in the hearts of her surviving family and friends. 

She is predeceased by her mother, Clara Lee Hinton Ford; her father, Roscoe Ford; her brother, Roscoe Lee Ford; and her sister, Benita Ford. 

Barbara is survived by her husband, James Irvin, two sons; Morris Ford Sr. (Sherrice); James Irvin; two grandsons; Morris Ford Jr.; Jamison Ricks; her siblings; Muriel Ford; Thomas Ford (Monika); Linda Overton (Willis); Sharon Ford; Robin Vaughn (Michael); special first cousin and lifelong friend Eva Hill; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.   

In lieu of flowers, plants are welcomed for the home as a lasting memory of Mrs. Irvin.  

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