Barbara Eunice Booker Rakestrau was born in New York City, New York on April 19, 1933, to the late Charlotte Booker and Irving Page.  She was raised in the East Flatbush area of Brooklyn, New York by her West Indies foster mother, known as "Ma."

At the age of 17, Barbara reunited with her biological mother, Charlotte Booker.  Thereafter, she was introduced to Leroy Kenneth Rakestrau and they began a courtship that evolved into a wonderful marriage filled with love, commitment, and adventure.  After moving to Hartford, Connecticut to begin a new chapter in their lives, Barbara and Leroy were blessed with eight amazing children.

Barbara spent the next 40 years of her life in Connecticut where she worked at Royal Typewriter and later as a chef with Community Renewal Team of Hartford. She retired after rendering many years of loyal service and, thereafter, relocated to Albany, Georgia.

A loving, God fearing, and strong woman of faith, Barbara's  life was filled with service and dedication to all mankind.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin with an endless reservoir of love for her family. Her compassionate spirit, encouraging words, and kind deeds enriched the lives of all who knew her.  She was always available with a hug, a listening ear, or just to spend time with family and friends—especially her grandchildren who held the key to her heart.

On December 15, 2020 at the hallowed age of 87, Barbara departed this earthly life leaving a void in the hearts of family and friends who loved her dearly.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy Rakestrau; three sons, Keith Leroy Rakestrau, Gregory Lindsey Rakestrau, and Shawn Adam Rakestrau; four siblings, Gwendolyn Booker, Elise Richardson, Christopher Booker, and Naomi Clair; grandson, Javon Keith Rakestrau; and her nephew, Charles Richardson.

She leaves loving memories that will forever be cherished by her children, Deborah Lee Rakestrau, Rodney Ernest (Patricia) Rakestrau, Gary Fleming (Yolanda) Rakestrau, Glen Eric Rakestrau, and Dawn Alexis Amore Rakestrau; grandchildren, Tammy Young, Kendall Love, Rodney Rakestrau, Jr, Deborah Rakestrau, Lester McBride, Chrystal Johnson, Ebony Rakestrau, Danica Clahar, Gregory Rakestrau, Glen Rakestrau, Jr., Destin Rakestrau, and Destin Rakestrau; niece and nephews, Sharon Baisley, Terrance Baker, and Eric Baisley; and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, extended family, and friends.