Barbara Jean McClain Obituary in Gastonia at Costner Funeral Home

Obituary For Barbara Jean McClain

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.

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Cheryl, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you will truly miss Aunt Barbara. The girls thought of her as Aunt Barbara also. Love Anne

Barbara Jean McClain was my friend and my mentor. She was the librarian at Cleveland High School when I transferred there in seventh grade. She recognized early on my love for books and reading. Barbara selected me as one of her library helpers and I worked in the library in some capacity until I graduated in 1966. Barbara encouraged me to become a librarian. I attended NCCU and after graduation I returned to Shelby and for the next thirty-two years I worked as a librarian in Shelby City Schools with Barbara as a friend and mentor. Her friendship and advice was invaluable and so much appreciated. Thank-you Barbara for your influence on my life. May you Rest in Peace. Linda D. Byrd

Cheryl and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were very fond of Aunt Barbara and she was very important to us. She will be missed. With love, Alfredia and Nichole

Barbara was such a good friend to my family and to me. She will truly be missed. My heart aches for Tinker Bell and Bella, her beloved cats. She adored her "Furries" including Precious who passed earlier this year.

Cheryl, Charles and Courtney, Your aunt was loved and we will continue to remember her beautiful spirit. We thank God for the opportunity to have known her and the ability to have interacted with her for many wonderful years. We will miss her at First Congregational. We will also continue to keep your family in our prayers
The Hoke Family