Frank Barber, 72: DeKalb school leader pioneered classroom computers
Frank Barber believed in making life easier for others, from students of DeKalb County to international refugees.
“He felt if he could make someone else’s life better, then he would,” said son Glen Barber.
A former associate superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, Barber used a computer in 1970 to teach students statistics in his math classroom. He was then put on a special assignment to develop ways to use computers in the classroom to teach students.
He wanted to make learning more fun, said Barber of his father, and “that was his baby, putting computers in the classrooms of DeKalb County.”
By the time Frank retired as associate superintendent in 1996 there was a computer for every five students in DeKalb County schools.
Frank Barber, of Dunwoody, died Sept. 1 at Emory University Hospital of complications of a stem cell transplant. He was 72. A memorial service was held Saturday at Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Wages & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
The Atlanta native was an alumnus of Georgia State University, the University of Georgia and Emory University.
“He had a passion for being an advocate for people who had the least,” said his daughter Jill Lee-Barber, who is director of psychological and health services at Georgia State.
“He wanted them to get access to education.”
Barber took it upon himself to help those in need. He aided those suffering from addiction or economic struggles and helped refugees.He spent a lot of time learning how to navigate government-assistance websites so he could teach others in need how to apply.
He believed that if everyone around met the needs they saw, the world would have fewer needs, his son said, and did what he could to meet “the needs he saw.”
In 1984, Barber and his wife Gail King Barber, who preceded him in death, welcomed Tom Ngo, an immigrant from Vietnam, into their home. Ngo stayed with the Barber family and soon graduated from Emory and now owns his own business. The family also gave shelter to Afghan refugee Abdul Hussain, who was by Barber’s side until his death.
Until his death, Barber expressed concern for others and told his daughter to pray for others, not just himself.
“He said there are people with bigger needs than himself,” she said.
In addition to his daughter, son and Ngo and Hussein who were considered sons, Barber is survived by four grandchildren.
