Barbara Jean Prothro

Barbara Jean Prothro, a former National Business Agent for the Special Delivery Messenger Division, died March 30. She was 78. 

Prothro, who was member of St. Louis Gateway District Area Local, was one of the union’s first female national officers and was a founding member of Post Office Women for Equal Rights (POWER). She retired from union service in November 2001.

“We are sad to hear that Sister Prothro has passed away,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “We send our condolences to her family.”

“She was a tough and effective advocate for workers,” recalled St. Louis Area Gateway Area Local Industrial Relations Director Melvin Sanders. “She was such an incredible person — so energetic, totally committed — so union,” said former Special Delivery Division Director Sam Anderson.

Born in Pine Bluff, AR, Prothro began her postal career as a Clerk in St. Louis in 1964. She later moved to the Special Delivery Unit and became active in union affairs. She held a variety of local positions before becoming a national officer.

Prothro is survived by her husband, Alonzo, eight children, and dozens of grandchildren.