Barbara Jean McKinney-Hamilton

BARBARA JEAN MCKINNEY-HAMILTON was born January 11, 1936 and departed to her heavenly home on September 6, 2017. She was the fifth child of ten children born to Joseph Lee West, Sr. and Ruthie West in Newport, Arkansas. She moved with her family to Poplar Bluff, MO., where she attended Wheatly High School.

A caterer by trade; she was best known for her ”great cooking”... Soul Food was her specialty!

On January 16, 1954, she married Will Ellis McKinney and was blessed with five children and became Mother to Patricia, Barbara, Will Jr., Dianetta and Timothy.

Barbara married Solomon Hamilton on August 23, 2003 and soon thereafter they would relocate to Tucson, Arizona. As a devoted wife, she worked tirelessly to care for her husband and they were blessed to be happily married for 13 years, separated only by his death.

A Woman with a Loving and Caring Heart:

Barbara was the “Matriarch” of the family and with that position she was a lot of things to many people.

Barbara was “Momma,” to her children; she was their Rock to the end. Whether near or far, she made each one of her children feel special. She was their best friend and loved it most when she was in the presence of all five.

Barbara was a grandmother of 7 and 14 great grandchildren that prided her in having the right words and wisdom to get the family back in step when needed...all in the name of Love.

Barbara was the ultimate ”Big Sister” that relished the opportunity to provide guidance, love and loyalty to her siblings. To her nieces and nephews she was their “Aunt Bobbie.” With a warm heart, she was always available to lend a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

Barbara was a “Caregiver” to those in need. She was always there to lend support in whatever way possible. She was blessed with a sweet spirit, a compassionate heart and if need be, she could be as tough as nails!

Barbara is survived by her five children, five siblings (Ella, Billy, Jimmy, Eugene and Linda... 5 siblings preceded her in death), a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends