Mrs. Curtisene (Wafer) Barge

Curtisene Leta Wafer was born in Detroit, MI on June 12, 1948, to Curtis and Dorothy Wafer. She was the fourth of six children.  From birth the was a "rebel", doing things her way regardless of the outcome. She was committed to doing what she thought was right no matter what. In Fact, her mother began calling her "Rebel" in place of her name. As a result of her older sister Jeaunine's problem pronouncing Rebel, she began calling her Rabbit and moving forward, she was affectionately called Rabbit by family and friends.

Curtisene accepted Christ at the age of nine and was baptized at Community Baptist Church by Pastor Clarence Darden. She attended Romulus Community Schools and graduated from Romulus High School in 1966. After high school, Curtisene worked at St. Joseph's Hospital as a surgical technician for ten years. She often spoke fondly of the time she spent there.

On November 11, 1978, Curtisene married Richard Coleman Barge, Jr. He shared with her two sons, Brian and Dana and together they had two daughters, Rica and Richelle. They moved their family to Inkster where She became a real estate agent and eventually formed her own brokerage, Your Home Town Realty and Investment.

Throughout her personal and professional life, Curtisene's champion spirit led her to advocate for citizen's rights, fair housing and home ownership. Hence, her becoming a real estate developer with the Inkster Neighborhood Stabilization Program to create affordable housing for those who may not have previously been able to achieve their ownership dreams. At the same time, she recognized her own opportunity to actualize a long-held vision for providing the tools necessary to purchase and maintain ownership for the marginalized people in her community by establishing a 501(c)(3), Haven 447.

In addition, one of her proudest accomplishments was serving as the Census Coordinator in 2000. Not only was she able to help her beloved city secure valuable resources by educating her community about the importance of being counted in the US Census, she made life long and like-minded friends which she always welcomed with open arms. As a result of the 2000 campaign success, she was asked to lead the efforts again in 2010 and 2020. Her passionate and diligent work resulted in numerous leadership awards in the years that followed. She was dedicated to confronting any challenge that arose within the city.

Curtisene was just as dedicated in her personal life as she was professionally. She loved her family and friends, she would show up if needed and would tell you what you needed to hear. She was selfless, often doing good deeds for others and not looking for recognition. Curtisene would talk to anyone and was generous to a fault. Curtisene and her husband Richard loved traveling and she encouraged her children to explore, learn and understand their surroundings. She was the loudest and proudest cheerleader at her daughter's basketball games. Education and community involvement were extremely important to her.

She did anything she could to provide opportunities for her girls.

Curtisene was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Dorothy Wafer, two siblings, Bernice Riley and James Walker, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 46 years, Richard C. Barge, Jr., two daughters, Rica Barge and Richelle Barge, two sons Brian C. Barge Sr. and Dana Barge; two grandchildren, Brian C. Barge, Jr. and Breann Barge; three sisters Jeaunine Wafer-Frison, Winfred Wafer and Fredrica Noel (Kahrah deceased) one aunt and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, bonus daughters, sisters and sons and a plethora of friends. She truly left a mark on everyone she came across and will truly be missed by all.

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