On Monday, September 14, 2009, the McClure family lost their queen. Surrounded by her loving family, Barbara E. “Mamaw Barb” McClure went home to be with Jesus. She was her family’s most prized possession, their hero, their best friend.
She was greeted at Heaven’s gate by her husband, Edward “Boyd”; her son, Randy Faron; her grandson, Jon Eric; and great grandson, Andrew. Those left to cherish her memory are her five sons, William Cecil “Bill” of Huntington, Alton (Barbara Mae), Charles “Buddy” (Abby), Averrill (Gale), and Mickey, all of Alkol; her five daughters, Helen (Wayne) Roberts, Chlo (Larry) Booth, both of Alkol, Marian (Mack) Stone of Morrisvale, Carolyn (Chuck) Adkins, and Teresa (Jerome) Adkins, both of Alkol; her three daughters-in-law, Sandra McClure, Barbara Ann McClure, both of Alkol, and Martha McClure of Huntington; her 30 grandchildren, Mike, Angie, Scott, Ryan (Amy); Brian, Blaire (Robbie); Marty (Dawn), Melody (Donny), Melissa (Jamie); Rachael, Rochelle, Denny (Jaime), Jason (Amy); Eric, Holly (Josh), Brandon (Kayla), Taylor; Randy (Kelly), Jerry (Tina), Lisa (Kevin), Lori (Barry); Todd (Amber), Tracy, Tara; David, Chris (Hilary); Randy (Conrae), Tiffany (Gary); Jade and Erin; her 48 great-grandchildren, Chad, Josh, Steven, Drake, Brent, Will, Ava; Tyler, Gracelyn; Drew, Maggie, Dalton; Payton, Lakynn, Brayden, Braxton; Marlee, Landon, Roman, Kodie, Mia, Jaden; Erica, Randi, Isabella, Kaydon, Kolton; Jordan, Garrett, Kayla, Blake, Heather, Heath, Hayden, Zack, Dakota; Asher, Madalyn, Chase; Austin, Alec, Alyssa, Emma; Randyn, Blade, Skylar, and Sawyer. Other special people in Mamaw Barb’s life were Rev. Basil Hudson, whom she loved as a son; Vick Adkins, whom she loved as a grandson; Jean Harless and Susie Adkins, her loving caretakers; a number of nieces and nephews; and countless extended family and friends.
Born on August 4, 1918, she lived all of her 91 years in Alkol. She spent the majority of her life as a mother, loving and raising her children and grandchildren. Her family was her most treasured accomplishment.She was a Christian and a member of Sycamore Grove Baptist Church. She was well known for her welcoming home, famous biscuits and gravy and her ability to make people smile. She was affectionately known as “Mamaw Barb” to hundreds. Even strangers left her home feeling like part of her family. She touched so many people’s lives by opening the doors of her home and offering warm conversation, a hot cup of coffee and her home-cooked meals. The world has lost one of its finest. She will forever be loved and missed.
Services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday at the Curry Funeral Home Chapel 2097 Childress Rd., Alum Creek with Pastors Basil Hudson and Chuck Adkins officiating. Burial will be in the McClure Family Cemetery at Alkol. Friends will gather from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday at the Funeral Home.