Barbara McGhee

Barbara ( Bobbie) Jean McGhee was born in Memphis, TN on April 15, 1941 to the late Velma Owens and Ben Freeman. In 1948, at the age of seven her family relocated to Michigan. She would receive her education in the Belleville Public School System. On December 28, 1967, she united in holy matrimony to Bodie L. McGhee. To this union, two beautiful daughters were born; Gail Janee' and Kyra Giovanna. Her daughters were the apples of her eye. Her husband, Deacon Bodie McGhee and daughter Kyra McGhee preceded her in death. Barbara affectionately embraced motherhood and worked tirelessly to instill core values while simultaneously encouraging higher education. As Barbara was family oriented, she naturally enjoyed caring for her home and her family. While she was certainly known for her lovingly prepared, delicious home cooked meals; Barbara was renown for her exquisite cakes and pies. "Barbara's Pound Cake" was anticipated at family gatherings for decades. Barbara's passion for fashion and impeccable sense of style served as a prelude to a career in the apparel/ accessory industry. She successfully attracted and retained a loyal customer base as a sales consultant and was frequently recognized for her excellence. Over the decades, Barbara made a difference in the lives of many as a trusted advisor to family and friends. She possessed a magnetic personality and a tremendous sense of humor that facilitated the development of numerous lifelong friendships and created many beautiful memories. Because she was a music lover with a particular fondness for Jazz and Blues, Barbara looked forward to attending live performances from her favorite artists. As Christmas was her favorite holiday, she immensely enjoyed spending time with family and friends especially during the holiday season. Barbara was also a woman of faith serving in multiple capacities at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Joseph B. Barlow Jr. She served on the Mother's and Deaconess Board, Assignment Committee, sang in the Pastor's Chorus, and worked with the youth in the Sunshine Band and Red Circle. She remained a faithful member until her health would no longer permit. Barbara battled several health challenges in the last seventeen years and departed this life on December 25, 2023. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving, doting and devoted daughter, Gail McGhee, sisters Patty Williams, Lydia Duckworth, Joyce Enos, Elsie Bell and Theady Freeman; brothers; Leon Freeman, Harold Freeman and Richard Price; sisters-in-law Bertha King, Lorraine Smith and Lucille Smith; godsons Anthony Moody and Justin Smith; goddaughter, Valencia Smith; friends Elizabeth Page, Myrna Mitchell, and Phyllis Smith and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Barbara McGhee

April 15, 1941 - December 25, 2023