Service Details
Funeral: Saturday, August 26, 2017 10:00am
Visitation: Saturday, August 26, 2017 9:00am – 10:00am
Location: Draeger – Langendorf Funeral Home Chapel, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine,WI 53403
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Racine – Barbara Ann McWhorter, lovingly known as “Barb”, 77, transitioned from this life into eternal life on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Ascension All Saints Hospital.
Barbara was born in Atlanta, GA on September 27, 1939 to the late Coty and Maydell (nee: Easley) Kirksey. On November 8, 1959 Barbara Ann Kirksey was united in holy matrimony with Bernie McWhorter in Racine, WI. Their union was blessed with two sons.
She received her formal education at South Fulton High School in East Point, GA. There she was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1957 as Miss South Fulton. She later obtained a degree in Fashion Apparel Design.
Barbara accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of 2nd Missionary Baptist Church and United Faith Missionary Baptist Church for over 54 years. She served on the Willing Workers Committee, Sunday School Committee, Building Fund Committee, Kitchen Committee, Financial Secretary and was a charter member of United Faith Missionary Baptist Church.
After 30 years of employment Barbara retired from the Racine Unified District as a Teacher Assistant/Home School Worker.
In her leisure, she enjoyed sewing, baking delicious desserts, gardening, crocheting and knitting. She was considered to be an excellent seamstress who was constantly in demand. Anything she put her hands to she created beauty.
Her passion for children and education continued after retirement. She volunteered as a tutor at the United Way organization and fed the hungry. Also, she was a lifetime member of the NAACP.
She leaves to cherish in her memory, children: Anthony (Cheryl) McWhorter, Andre (Rajeeyah) McWhorter, grandchildren: Syreeta McWhorter, Tiffany (Elbert) Whitelaw, Britia McWhorter, Darrius Chambers McWhorter, Tajone McWhorter, great-grandchildren: Gabrielle and Isabelle Whitelaw; god-daughter: Rani Jones, sisters and brother, Jenell Hall, Jean (Pete) Walker, Jerome Kirksey, Bernice Warner, Venery Morgan, and a host of special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Bernie McWhorter, Granddaughter Andrianna McWhorter, sisters: Lendora McCellen, Mary Judon, Johnnie Bell, and brother John Kirksey.
The family and friends of Barbara Ann McWhorter wish to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Ryan Engel and Dr. Jennifer Brittig for their compassion and excellent care of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
A special thank you to her close friends Hettie Gibson, Joyce Wadlington, Annie Hicks and Sandra Trott who have continued to love and support her throughout the years.
A Celebration of her life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, August 26, 2017, 10:00am. Visitation will be in the chapel from 9:00am until the time of service. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery. Pastor Gregory Daniel will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
JOE ANN GREEN-MARTIN says
To the McWhorter Family. Our prayers goes out to your family in your time of need. God bless.
Walter & Vallie Rogers says
A beautiful person has taken her final bow and will leave all that loved her, as we certainly did, with an empty void. We will miss her generous ways and loving smile.
Tina Mcgee Scott says
So sorry for your lost my though and prayers are with you and your family .Love the McWhorter Family .
Lucy, Kathleen, and Vincent Cox says
Her kindness and generosity are profoundly unforgettable and will remain in our memories. We are so fortunate that we were blessed to cross her path in this life. A true friend that will be deeply missed.
Teresa McMorris says
Prayers to my cousins, truly my Antie will be forever remembered, she is the light of our family, rest on my love, I will see you when it is my turn to transition from earth. My friend, My TT, My LOVE!
Rickey & Stacey Moore & Family says
May God comfort & strengthen the McWhorter family. Our family is praying for your family.. That sweet smile & her generous ways will always be remembered.
Bridget King and Scott Smith says
Our hearts are sad to hear of Barbara’s death. We share your grief. Barbara was a very kind woman and we will miss her and think of her often.
Karen and Scot Velzka says
Tony and family,
Deepest sympathies. Your Mom sounded like a wonderful woman, lived a beautiful life, and her legacy will continue.
In our thoughts and prayers.
Delores and Louella Price says
To Tony, Andre, Sheryl, and Regis. Your mom was a wonderful women and a true friend. We will never forget her. You are in our prayers.
Lena D McWhorter says
My heart is very heavy on lost of such a phenomenal woman and family member, I’m so greatful that I had the chance to hold her hand and speak to her before transitioning to home, condolences to my cousins and families.
Valencia Tucker says
Deepest sympathy in the lost of your love one. The Davidson Family .Valencia Davidson Tucker
Della Coleman says
Such a beautiful cousin my thoughts and prayers are with my family in racine, Wisconsin we love you ,you will truly be missed from the coleman family
Kevin Hadley and the Hadley family says
My condolences to my childhood friends Anthony and Andre on the loss of your mother you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marquane Harris says
She was such a nice lady, was one of my first black teachers at Wadewitz always willing to help her students. She will truely be missed, prayers going out to the McWhorter family.
Michelle Lewis-Phillips says
This beautiful woman helped me when I was in 6th grade at Wadewitz school; Mr. Black snatched me up because i was afraid of doing a gym task. This woman, my mom’s relative by marriage, made sure he never touched me again. She came to that class to check up on me often. RIP beautiful soul.
Johnson Family says
Sorry for your loss. Be strong and courageous. Praying for peace in you and your family lives
Karen McCurtis Witherspoon says
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. McWhorter. I offer condolences on behalf of my mother who was her good friend. May God comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Angela Ingram says
Tony and Cheryl my condolences. Praying for peace and comfort for you and the family.
Stacy Love and family says
Praying that this family finds peace in there time of need.
Debra (Starks) Jones says
Thoughts and prayers to Barbara’s family. Remember so well when her and Tom lived upstairs from us. God will give you all the strength you need. Lean on him.
Anonymous says
My deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Barbara McWhorter.. God Bless you guys in your time of Sorrow…. Renee Carothers and the Entire Carothers family are praying for strength for you guys …🙏🏾
Sakinah says
A beautifull lady will truly be missed. R.I.P.
Renee Carothers and Family says
My Condolences to the McWhorter family, may God continue to shine his light on you guys ….🙏🏾
Lillian McKinney Boykin says
From the family of Lillian McKinney Boykin our prayers are with the McWhorter family she will be missed
Johnson Family Mary, Diane, and Duane says
So Sorry for your Loss. May God Bless the McWhorter Family during this time.
Rochell and John Tate & family says
Mrs Barb, you will truly be missed. We were blessed to know you. Thank you for all the treats… raised awesome children that are wonderful because of you. We love you. Rochell & John Tate.
JoAndria, Ronnie III, and Ranizjah says
I first met Barbara at wadewitz! She always had that beautiful smile on her face, years later she became a great aunt to my children! Prayers family, she may be gone on earth, but she’s living forever in spirit!
Tracye Dyess says
There’ll never be another one like you. She knew a pure, clean heart when she saw it. If she loved you, it was unconditionally and with her all. I miss you Mommy Barbara. I’ve learned so much from you. Andre, keep your head up Bruah. I’m never further than a text or call away.
My condolences and prayers to you all.
VaLisa Rias Harmon says
My condolences to the family. Barbara was truly a kind and thoughtful person. She was often willing to help out at our ACT-SO events and always greeted everyone with a smile. She will be missed.
Anonymous says
Barbara was a bright and shining light. Working with her was an influential, unforgettable blessing. “May you walk in God’s presence, gently and graciously led by His Light and comforted by His promises.”
In Sympathy and prayer
Tammi J. McCright says
Barbara was a bright and shining light. Working with her was an influential, unforgettable blessing. “May you walk in God’s presence, gently and graciously led by His Light and comforted by His promises.”
In Sympathy and prayer
Anne Mclemore says
My condolences to the family
Joyce Shelton Smith says
Praying for family and love ones. Rip
Shayla says
I admired and looked up to her from a young age while attending Wadewitz elementary school. She always had a calming effect on everyone she came into contact with and she was the sweetest woman ever. She counseled me, scolded me out of love and she inspired me to dream big and never give up. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I know she is now resting in a better place. God bless ❤.
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family of the loss of your dear love one. says
There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone you love. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your love one is in God’s memory,because in your bible in Psalms 72:14 says “Their blood (life) will be precious in his eyes.”
Candy A. Hattix says
I would like to send my condolences to family. My first encounter with Mrs. McWhorter was along time ago when Waderwitz Elementary School. She was always encouraging and so kind. I would see her from time to time as I got older and she would always smile and give me hug. It saddens me to know she is no longer on Earth but warms my heart to know she is safe in his arms.
Liz Cole AKA pumpkin says
RIP MRS. MCWHORTER . I REMEMBERED YOU WORKING AT WADAWITZ ELEM SCHOOL YEARS AGO. YOU WERE THE NICEST PERSON EVER. I HAD FELL OFF THE PARELLAL BARS AND NEEDED STITCHES YOU HELPED ME TO THE OFFICE AND STAYED WITH ME TILL MY MOM CAME. I NEVER FORGOT THAT MOMENT.
Robert/Liz Hicks (Cole) says
One Of The Best
Shayla says
I had the honor and blessing to meet her as a young student at Wadewitz Elementary School and she made a life long impression on my life. She was like family when I was attending school am’s she always greeted me with a smile and a reassuring pat on my back. She was a woman I looked up to growing up through the years and she always greeted me with a hug at church. I went on to get a higher education and she’s one of the women that motivated me to never stop reaching for the stars! May she now rest in eternal life. I miss you Miss W and I’m going for my Master’s now!