Barbara, the daughter of Claude M. and Flora A. (Timbs) Hughes, was born in Washington, DC and grew up in the Hillcrest area.  While a student at Anacostia High School, she began working during the summer at the US Capitol. It was there that she met her future husband, Elwood Spoerl Jr. After the two were married in 1952, they moved to Clinton, MD and both began working for the Naval Hydrographic/Oceanographic Office in Suitland, MD until retirement.  Throughout their married life, the two were active in power boating, often travelling up and down the East Coast.

As a child, Barbara expressed an interest in music and at age 12 began taking voice and piano lessons.  She performed many soprano roles in her adult years, especially in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with different companies in the Washington area. She served as a soprano soloist in various churches, but especially East Washington Heights Baptist Church. In her later years, Barbara sang with the Chesapeake Community Chorus and then the Encore choral until moving to Kris Leigh in Severna Park, MD.

In addition to her musical talents, Barbara enjoyed painting.  Her natural abilities blossomed after retirement, when she was able to attend classes at a local community college.  Many of her pieces were featured in art shows, and several won awards.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Diana S. Martin; her grandsons, Joseph E. Martin and Jonathan P. (Christina); five greatgrandchildren – Enzo, Marco, Stella, Violet, and Xenia Martin; sisters Connie LaMoure (Larry), Alice Cox (Lester) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday November 8, 2021 from 10:00am-11:00am with a service to follow at 11:00am at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P. A. 495 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146. Barbara will be buried at Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk, MD next to her husband of 48 years, Elwood, who passed away in 2000.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Our Anchor Presbyterian Church's Benevolence Fund or Hospice of the Chesapeake.