Barbara E. Harling

Barbara Epps Harling was born August 25, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina, the eldest of three children born to the late Leroy and Mamie Brown Epps. Her earthly journey ended on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Barbara was educated in the public schools of Richland County and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1964. She continued her education and later graduated from Allen University, with a degree in Business Administration.

She was united in holy matrimony to Nathaniel Harling with whom she spent over 32 years before he went home to be with the Lord.

Barbara was employed at Bell South for many years. Most of her professional career was with AT&T, from which she retired after she was blessed to have 30 years of dedicated service.

In her early years, Mrs. Harling joined First Nazareth Baptist Church and was recognized for serving faithfully for 50 years.

On January 17, 2010, she united with Temple Zion Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her church family. She believed in serving her church and its members. She served tirelessly as a member of the Usher Ministry; President of the Jubilee Choir; and a member of the City-Wide Jubilee Choir. She also found time to serve as leader of the Senior’s Ministry, and a member of the Hospitality Committee. All of these ministries did not stop her from being an avid member of Mid-day Bible Study.

In the community, she served as Treasurer of North Monticello Community Outreach (NMCO). She also worked closely with several community programs and organizations that provided services and resources to seniors.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Harling; and one stepson, Horace (Pam) Harling.

She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted sister, Yvonne P. Epps of Yonkers, NY; a caring brother, Leroy G. (Marie) Epps  of Rock Hill, SC; two nephews, Quinten (Kiana) Epps and Justin (Regina) Epps; and one niece, Jessica (Dandridge) Hingleton, all of Columbia, SC; five step-children, Fannie (Nolton) Harris, Thomas (Patricia) Harling, Harriett (Edward) Gleaton, Ruby Harling, and Tanya Pauling; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all whom will miss her dearly.

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