Barbara Jean McClain, 83, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina was born on October 19, 1937 to the late John McClain and Mary Gordon McClain. She entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia, North Carolina.

Barbara was the youngest of seven children who were reared in the Shady Grove Community in Kings Mountain, NC. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Carrie Ashley, Lela Odom, Laura Falls, Clara Kaufman, and brother John McClain.

Barbara graduated from Lincoln Academy in Kings Mountain, NC in 1955. She furthered her education by martriculating at North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University or "NCCU") in Durham, NC, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Library Science. Barbara wa a proud "NCCU Eagle, Aggie Pride."

In 1972, Barbara was initiated into the Gastonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Barbara was dedicated Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She was a distinguished President of the Gastonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Theta Sorority, Inc. from 1991 until 1993.

Barbara was career librarian (Media Specialist) in the Cleveland County Schools system in Shelby, NC. She retired in 1996 after 37 years of service. After retirement, Barbara continued her work in the field of education as an Adult Basic Education/GED Instructor at Gaston College for several years.

Barbara was a woman virtuous woman of God with a passion for serving others. She was a faithful, lifelong member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Kings Mountain, NC. Over the years, she served in many roles; church clerk/secretary, Chancel Choir President (Cantralto Soloist), Women's Fellowship Group President, and Trustee Board member.

Barbara was a kind generous, and loving person. In return, she was well loved by everyone who has the pleasure of knowing her. Barbara leaves to cherish fond memories her loving sister, Grace Adams, of Kings Mountain, NC, a devoted nephew, Charles Odom (Clara) of Gastonia, NC, four dear nieces, Cheryl Perkins of Gastonia, NC, Olivia Diane Williams of Belmont, NC, Jennifer Nettles of Gastonia, NC, Bernadette Chapell of Euclid, Ohio; and one sister-in-law, Patsy McClain of Euclid, Ohio. Barbara adored and was adored by many nephews and great nieces; Marcus Ashley, Yvette McGill (John), Fred Holliday (Wanda), Pam Odom (Louis), Anthony Odom (Deirdre), Marus Odom (Jessica), Bobby "Scooter" Glenn, Adrienne Perkins, Riche Williams (Bronwyn), Brooke Odom, Tiffany Williams, Darryl Brandon Falls, (Tasha), Courtney Falls, Charleston Odom, and Caleb Odom. Barbara is also survived by a special great-great nephew, Brayden Falls, a godson, Kevin Feemster (Glenda); and a host of other loving relatives friends, church members, and sorority sisters.

Funeral Arrangement Are As Follow:

Place: Costner Funeral Home Chapel

Date: Monday, July 19, 2021 12:30 PM

Burial: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Public Viewing at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M.