Former Newhallville Alderwoman Nora Barker-Joseph, born November 2, 1935, passed on from this life on September 10,
2011 at Whitney Manor.
A long time passionate freedom-fighter for fairness and equal justice, Nora spent many years actively involved in the Democratic Party. Her experience in social and economic activism began at the age of sixteen when she helped the fundraising efforts of oil field workers who were trying to organize on the West Indian twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where Nora was born. Later she volunteered for the People’s National Movement (PNM), the island’s Labor Party that in the late 1950s early 1960s helped win the country’s independence from Great Britain.
Nora migrated to the United States in 1967 and settled in New Haven. She later became a naturalized citizen. She served as Committee Chairperson of the 19th Ward; Democratic State Central Committee woman from the 10th Senatorial District; and Alderwoman of the 19th Ward.” During her tenure as community leader and elected official, Nora helped to organize community-based organizations; supported the establishment of the Science Park; worked to keep jobs at Olin and U.S. Repeating Arms; organized the first Women’s Caucus on the New Haven Board of Aldermen; and served as an advisor to many political leaders; including the late Governor Ella T. Grasso, former State Treasurer Henry Parker, and Vice Presidential candidate, Geraldine Ferraro. Nora worked as an assistant elementary school teacher at St. Thomas’ Day School. She later established the Wee Wisdom Child Day Care Home and was recognized as a model Day Care provider. She was also appointed to the New Haven School Readiness Council by Mayor John DeStefano, Jr and served on the CT Child Day Care Council. Nora studied at the Bank street Teacher’s College in New York City and also graduated from the Unity School of Christianity as a licensed teacher. Deeply spiritual, Nora affirmed each day, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
Nora’s life will be a continually celebrated by her three adult children, June Joseph, Gemma Joseph Lumpkin, (Anthony), J. Stephen Joseph (Martina), her two grandchildren, Erica Tracy Bryan and J. Stephen, Jr. “Jake”, and her two step-grandchildren, Alia and Jason
Lumpkin. Also left to celebrate her life is her sister Margaret Barker Ceasar (Cannon Francis Ceasar) her brother Austin Barker (Kathleen) and many other nieces and nephews. Nora was predeceased by her parents Austin Barker, Sr. and Millicent Barker, as well as her eldest sister Beulah Gittens. A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11AM at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511 with calling hours at the church from 9 – 11AM. Internment is private. To leave a message of comfort to the Barker-Joseph family, please visit this website www.hkhfuneralservices.com
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