Immanuel D. Barbee

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, a gentle soul took flight with the passing of Immanuel David Barbee. Immanuel was born on May 5, 1995, to the late Kenneth and Ngen Barbee, and raised by Dollinda “Cheryl” Barbee in Springfield, Massachusetts. Immanuel was predeceased not only by his parents, but also by his two grandfathers – Nguon Moul and Abram Barbee – and his loving aunt, Donna Barbee. Left to cherish his memory, along with Mom Dollinda, are his sisters – Cheri (Keto) Williams of Springfield, MA; Delania Barbee of Springfield, MA; Vickie Moul of Chelmsford, MA; brothers Jimmy and Wally Moul of Lowell, MA; Jessie and Jehu Barbee of Springfield, MA; grandmother Esther Barbee of East Longmeadow, MA; former wife, Sheila Tran; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his COGASOC family.

Immanuel was a class of 2013 graduate of Sabis International Charter School. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, and also proudly served in the United States Air Force. During his time as a student, Immanuel worked several jobs, including for the United States Postal Services and Warrant Realty in Portsmouth, VA. He was also great with kids and enjoyed tutoring. Most recently, he was completing his education at Carroll Community College in Westminster, MD and preparing to begin a new job in his chosen profession of Information Technology.

Immanuel was baptized in the Church of God and Saints of Christ at a young age and continued his connection to the church as a member of Third Tabernacle in Hartford, CT throughout his life. In addition to his spiritual life, Immanuel enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious. He loved old school music, Vietnamese cuisine, chicken wings, and family group texts about the latest TV shows, especially Game of Thrones. Immanuel was also a talented author with an incredible imagination, publishing his first book, Whispers of the Ages: Tales of Pandora, in 2023, inspired by his love of anime and ancient mythology.

Immanuel was a blessing to all who knew him, and in his own words: May we, as witnesses to this tale, learn to honor the cycle of life and death, cherishing the memories of those who have departed while embracing the precious moments of our own existence. And may we find solace in knowing that even in death’s embrace, the spirit lives on, forever intertwined with the infinite threads of the cosmos.