Lucille Regina Barton

Lucille  Regina Barton's story began on Friday, April 17, 1942, at Freeman Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was the second daughter born to the late Flora Augustus Ross Thomas and Gilbert Thomas, and grew up in Lakeland, Maryland.

Affectionately known as "Ma, Big Gina, Mrs. B or Mrs. Barton, L. Regina Barton or Regina to most, her most beloved name was Ahma, as she liked to be called by her grandchildren.

She had an inquisitiveness and thirst for knowledge which was the reason she started school at age 4. She was educated in the Prince Georges County Public Schools attending Lakeland Elementary, Lakeland Junior High School and graduating in 1959 from Fairmont Heights High School. She played all the sports; there was not a sport that she could not play or coach.

She attended Bowie State University formally Bowie Teachers College, from which she received her Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Graduate Degree in Counseling and Administration.

On the cold Saturday morning of February 15, 1964, at Emory AME church, in front of family and friends, L. Regina Thomas married her life mate of forty -two years, Melvin Barton "Mel." That snowy day would be the beginning of their love, joy, faith, and zest for life. From this union were born, Melvina L. Barton (1965) and Myron Barton (1971). Also, she was blessed to gain a bonus son, Michael A. There was never a dull moment or a shortage of love for family, friends

or anyone who came to the Barton household. She shared her joy, faith, and passion for all things with all who came in contact with her. Regina loved her family, and there was nothing she would not do for any of them. Her mantra was" FAMILY FIRST."

Her religious life began at Emory AME Church, as a devoted member, an usher, a member of the church choir and Assistant Superintendent of Sunday school. In 1987, she continued her religious life by becoming an active member of Queen's Chapel United Methodist Church in Beltsville, MD. Where she continued in her ministry as a member of the building committee, a liturgist, counter, and lay speaker as well as a Lay Visitation Leader for the sick and shut-in ministry. She was also a member of the beautification and restoration committee for Abraham Hall, and for a time, she attended Howard University School of Divinity.

Regina was a loving mother, devoted wife, and great friend. Renowned for her cooking and baking skills, Gina loved her family and rarely missed any occasion that brought them together­ picnics, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Graduations. During holidays, family gatherings or if you just stopped by, everyone always knew they would have plenty of delicious homemade food. She was going to feed you and make all who came to the house feel like they were dignitaries.

Ahma never missed opportunities to support her grandchildren in any and all of the activities that they participated in. She was a serious-minded sports enthusiast and was knowledgeable about it "All." She never was to busy to engage in a friendly conversation about her grandchildren or the latest games.

Based on the many stories shared about her tenure with Prince George's County Public School, in her professional capacities which included teaching grades K-12 where she contributed to the growth of her students, who came with so much potential, and curiosity. As a Pupil Personnel Worker which was a unique and rewarding experience, Education was not just her calling it was her passion. She believed to be entrusted with influencing young minds was an enormous responsibility and one she took very seriously. Even though those who knew her, could not imagine her doing anything other than a teacher or something in education. She happily, advocated for the rights of students and families. L. Regina retired from Prince George's County Public School after 42 years of service as the Vice Principal for Suitland Senior High School's class of 2000.

Regina held Charter membership in the Kiwanis Club of Mitchellville. Moreover, she started a social club in which she got Chuck Brown to play. She was den mother to troop Pack 1652; ran for office for Delegate for the 24th legislative district. She was an avid bowler, an unofficial midwife; she was adventurous, world traveler, lover of books, sports, hand dancing and ceramics as well as a gifted artist, and writer, she loved all types of games. One of her last writings was a cookbook she was creating for entitled Lil ReGina's Favorite Recipes. She is and will forever be a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Regina went to eternal rest on Thursday, October 25, 2018,10: 59 p.m. at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham Maryland. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years Melvin; her parents, Flora Augustus and Gilbert Thomas; grandparents, Sarah Lousie, and Reason Ross andAlice and Andrew Thomas; brother Gilbert Augustus Thoma; nephews, Johnathan P.B Steward, and Hubert Lee Steward Jr., and Alex; niece Monica L. Steward; brothers-in-law Hubert L. Steward, Mackie Barton Jr., and Earl Edward Barton.

To cherish her memory, she leaves to mourn her loving and devoted children Michael A. Neville (Angela), Melvina L. Barton, and Myron Barton; siblings Yvonne T. Steward, and Ronald Thomas (Cathy); grandchildren, MyKyle Augustus (Courtney), L. ReGina-Yvonne, Cameron Savon, Tracey Michelle Sibert (Charles, Jr.), Antranette Willhelmina Waters and Nyrik Deon Lee Sr.; two step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Zora, Melia, Nina, Nyrik Jr. Amir, Kimora, Noah, and Maverick; four step-grandchildren; nieces, Charlotte Thornas-Nicks (Keith), Jennifer Jones-Russell (Eric), Kim (Rosevelt), Traci Jones (Rosial) and Gayle; nephews, Malcolm, Dorn "Pedy" Lawrence (Rose), Dewayne Barton, Chadwick "Chad" Thomas, Gilbert "GT" Thomas (Laura), Oshea Jamere, Darin Dodson, and Christian Daley; great nieces, Kennedi, Kayden, Dorreon, Alexzia, Taylore, Jordyn, and Brooke Jones-Pavon (Rosemberg); great nephews, Eric Jaylen, Jamaal, and Christyan; sisters-in-law: Joan C. Thomas, Billie Y.Hicks, Luu Kim Barton, and Brenda Barton; a godson who preceded her in death, and two goddaughters Beverly Mathews and Danette Thomas; The Dassies:(Diane, Martha, Yvonne, and Liz) host of several dear devoted cousins, and extended family and friends.

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