The family of Jade Sunshine Barber announces her passing on Dec. 31, 2023, due to complications from surgery. Jade’s vibrant, funny, one-of-a-kind spirit, joy for life and loving heart touched the lives of everyone she met. We take comfort in knowing that Jade is in a better place, in the blessed arms of our Lord. May her memory always be a blessing to her family and friends.
Jade Sunshine Barber was born on April 21, 1994, in Lancaster, England, to Suzanne Darrow-Magras and John Anthony Barber. She was a big sister to Alice Moon Barber, a loving stepdaughter to Dana Anthony Magras and Leticia Barber, and siblings Christopher and Jessica Magras, and Emmanuel Jose Gines Manalo.
Her early years were spent in Connecticut, before moving to St. Thomas in 2004. Jade’s educational journey included Cornwall Consolidated School in Cornwall, Conn., Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, and All Saints Cathedral School on St. Thomas. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 2012 from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School on St. Thomas. Jade excelled academically, as evidenced by her membership in the National Honor Society and her active participation in the V.I. School of Visual Arts and Careers. She was also a member of the St. Thomas Swimming Association swim team.
Jade’s pursuit of higher education led her to Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, Conn., where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2015. She furthered her studies at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Conn., earning a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, summa cum laude, in 2019.
During her college years, Jade devoted herself to community service, contributing to soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity and clothing donation programs. She was a guiding light as a peer leader and a member of the Delta Kappa Chi Chapter of the International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society.
Before returning to St. Thomas in 2020, Jade worked as a therapist at the American Center for CBT in East Hartford, Conn., and the Klingberg Family Therapy Center’s Ana Grace “Love Wins” program in New Britain, Conn. Her innate ability to connect with people, marked by openness, love, non-judgment and insight, was a gift that she shared generously. On St. Thomas, Jade enjoyed working at Rhiannon’s in Red Hook and Prana Spa in Yacht Haven Grande. She was also an artist and painter with a love for vibrant colors and her work was displayed at Mystic Valley in Tillet Gardens on St. Thomas.
Jade’s adventurous spirit led her to travel. She often returned to England and Connecticut, and her travels included visits to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain, with the Charlotte Amalie High School French Club, and a memorable Caribbean cruise.
An avid gamer, Jade found joy and community in playing video games, board games and Dungeons and Dragons at the Virgin Islands Videogame Network gaming lounge and in spending time with family and friends. Her passions extended to Anime, ComiCons, Cos-Play events, cooking, fashion, music and a wide array of creative pursuits. In 2023, she joined the L ‘Amour Carnival Troupe, embracing the V.I. Carnival spirit.
Jade was preceded in death by her fraternal grandparents: John and Delicia Barber; fraternal uncle, Raymond Barber; maternal grandmother, Irene Darrow; maternal uncles: Vincent Greaux and Jason Magras; and maternal cousin, Christopher Mack.
We also honor the memory of her recently departed maternal grandfather, Louis Harry ‘Bilco’ Magras.
Jade is survived by her maternal grandparents: Michael and MaryAnn Darrow, and Florie Magras; maternal aunts: Christine and Lynn Darrow, Maribeth Darrow-Doubleday, Nancy Richards, Donna Greaux, Dora Cerge, Eileen Magras, Stacey Magras and Annette Magras; and maternal uncles: George Chylinski, Joshua Doubleday, Patrick Cerge, Duane Magras and Brian Magras.
She is also survived by her maternal cousins: Danielle and Jeffrey Chylinski, Marianne Doubleday, Cindy and Eric Holz, Lauren Mack, Laurie Ryan, Nikki Greaux, Amanda Greaux, Kevin Greaux, Melanie Bozzi, Eddie Magras, Danny Magras, Jamie Aubain, Melissa and Eric Steffens, and Marjorie, Beverly and Cain Magras; and fraternal uncles: Michael Barber, Stephen Barber, Michael McDonald and Russell McDonald-Barber.
Other survivors include fraternal cousins: Darren, Emma, Tyler and Paige Barber; extended family members and special friends: Le’Niya Lewis, Jaela and Jaedyn Williams, Roy Magras, Alex Raymond, Hunter Simpson, Elizabeth Jaeger, the Phillips family, Nyda Simmons, Miranda Goad, Jovan Bernier, Fay Mitchell, Buffy Weis, Rhiannon’s Prana Spa staff, VIVN and L ’Amour Carnival Troupe members and classmates; as well as many others too numerous to mention.
A celebration of Jade’s life will take place at Turnbull’s Funeral Home at 10 a.m., Jan. 21, with a reception following at the Frenchtown Community Center. Attendees are asked to wear Jade’s favorite color purple or bright colors. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Jade Sunshine Barber Memorial Fund, supporting young individuals at the VI Videogame Network (https://www.vivideogamenetwork.com/about-3-).
Jade’s memory will forever be a guiding light and a source of joy to all who knew her. May her spirit continue to inspire and bless us.
Expressions of sympathy can be made online at www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
