Barbara Jean Carr

Barbara Jean Carr, 85, Maryville, IL passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on January 9, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to Ezell Crosby and Idella Crosby. She was raised in Elmwood Park (St. Louis) and attended Ladue School District. Barbara worked for Vactec for over 25 years. Barbara shared a loving marriage of 40 plus years with her late husband, Charles Henry Carr Jr., with whom she raised their four children. In later years, she found love again and was united in marriage to Bill Greensmith, who remained by her side.

Barbara lived a life full of strength, resilience and talent, with a deep love for reading, learning, playing the piano and a commitment to living a healthy life.

Barbara was a gifted and accomplished blues singer whose voice and presence left a lasting mark on the St. Louis music scene and beyond. A native of St. Louis, she began singing in church at a young age and went on to perform with notable artists including Oliver Sain, Solomon Burke, Little Milton and Rufus Thomas. In 1966, she began her recording career at Chess Records in Chicago, IL. She was best known for her hit record, Good Woman Go Bad released in 1984. The record became a St. Louis classic. Over the course of her career, she recorded multiple albums and became a respected voice in blues and soul music, earning recognition such as the Jus’ Blues Music Award and The National Blues Museum Award. She toured internationally, sharing her music with audiences around the world. Her music, rooted in passion and authenticity, connected deeply with audiences and contributed to the rich legacy of blues music.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Greensmith. Her children: Margaret Dennis (former spouse, Gilbert Dennis), Charlesetta Carr, Vicky Hacker (Michael Hacker) and Charles (Chuck) Carr III. Her grandchildren: Keeghan Carr, Teresa Dennis, Tia Cornelius (Jamal Cornelius), Samantha Robinson (Mark Robinson), Cameron Carr, Alexis Carr, Salena Davidson, Jasmine Dennis, Charles Christopher Carr. Her Siblings: James Crosby, Loretta Tunstall, Gracie Williams (Lee Williams) Robert Crosby and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Charles Carr Sr., her father, Ezell Crosby, her mother Idella Crosby, her sister Wanda Crosby and three brothers Ezell Crosby Jr., Willie Crosby, and Kenneth Crosby.

In accordance with her wishes, services will be held privately with family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara’s honor to Siteman Cancer Center. Donations may be made online or by mail to support cancer research and patient care.

Tribute Section (Family Voices)

A wonderful lady! We made a great team!

• Signed Bill (Her husband)

To mom – First thank you for trusting me with the hardest task of my life. I did my best and it was my honor. I will miss you calling me almost every morning at work. You would say “What are you doing? “I would say, “I’m at work,” then you would say, “Oh baby that’s so sad.” Mom, you did a song, “My Mama Told Me”. I would sing it as a little girl. When we got together you would imitate me and sing that song. You thought it was so funny. But I knew you were so proud of me. I will learn to play the piano better and hope soon to play a song for you and you are listening. I love how you carried yourself and it helped shape me into the person I am today. Thank you for being my mom and I will always love and miss you.

• Signed Margaret

Mom, you are the light in my life, thank you for being there for me when I needed you. My heart aches now that I can’t touch you, but we will see other again one day. Love you always.

• Signed Vicky

To mom from Charles. She was my cheerleader. Always on my side and loved her grandchildren. She is still in my heart.

• Signed Charles

May my sister rest in peace.

• Uncle Robert