Olar Dawkins Barber

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Olar Dawkins Barber, daughter of the late Sandy and Mable Dawkins, was born on October 17, 1945, in Lancaster, SC. She departed this life on May 4, 2025, at her home, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.

Olar attended Barr Street High School in Lancaster, SC, and began her career at Spring Mills. In the late 1980s, she relocated to Savannah, GA, where she worked for the City of Savannah in Public Works. It was during this time that she developed a deep passion for flowers. If you find yourself on River Street in Savannah, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful flowers and trees—think of Olar B.

In 2002, Olar returned to Lancaster, where she spent the next ten years working as a cook at the Convalescent Center. New Hope AME Zion Church was always her spiritual home, where she served joyfully on the senior choir.

Olar had a lively spirit and enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved game shows, funny commercials, conversing on the phone, participating in Chinese Auctions, and caring for her beloved plants. Above all, she was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Dallas Cowboys.

Olar leaves behind her son, Keith Barber (Claudine) of Charlotte, NC; three granddaughters, Al’Tazia Barber of Savannah, GA, Ke’Dazia Barber of Rock Hill, SC, and AliyaBarber of Indian Land, SC; four brothers, Gilbert Dawkins, Reguster Dawkins (Vivian), Elijah Dawkins, all of Lancaster, SC, and Isaiah Dawkins (Debbie) of Greenville, NC; and three sisters, Freddie M. McBynum (William) of San Antonio, TX, Bernice Davis (James) of Lancaster, SC, and Mablean O’Neal of Winnsboro, SC, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Hester Dawkins-Sandiford, Bessie Mae Wright, Onie B. Truesdale, RillaDawkins, and brothers Lindsay Dawkins, James Dawkins, and Elliot Dawkins.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Olar Dawkins Barber, please visit our floral store.