Barbara Jean McLean's Obituary
Elder Barbara Jean McLean entered into this earthly realm
on March 21, 1946 to the union of Eugene B. and Luella V. Falls. Barbara was
educated in the Pontiac Public School System, graduating from Pontiac Central
High School in 1965. At an early age Barbara accepted Christ and attended
Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ford B. Reed. In the
mid-70s she relocated to Detroit and joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church
under the leadership of Rev. Charles H. Nicks, Jr.
Barbara was a teacher’s assistant, and went on to obtain her phlebotomist
certification from Krainzwood Medical program. After a brief time in the field,
Barbara decided to change career paths landing the position of fashion coordinator
at Day’s Fashions in Hamtramck, Michigan where she was affectionately known
as Barbara Mc. Barbara decided that it was time for yet another career change
and began working for NBD bank, now known as Chase bank where she remained
employed until her retirement in 1999.
Barbara was heavily involved in gospel music. She sang with Harold Smith &
the Majestics, St. James Missionary Baptist Church Adult Choir, and the Gospel
Music Workshop of America. During her tenure with the Majestics, she met Leon
McLean and On January 16, 1981 they were joined in holy matrimony. To this
union two children were born, Gerald Leonard and Christopher James. Barbara
became the bonus mother to three additional children, Stacey, LaShawn and
DeAnna.
In 1991 she joined Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of
Rev. Rufus Pope Sr. (now Mt. Zion New Covenant Baptist Church) it was here
she began her training and was ordained as an Evangelist. Barbara was later
ordained as an elder at Bethesda Christian Church on May 26, 1993 and again
at Mt. Zion on January 14, 1996 under the leadership of Bishop Charles L.
Middleton, Sr. She was also the Michigan Liaison for the Ministerial Alliance of
the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship as well as Overseer of the Mt. Zion
New Covenant Baptist Church Ministerial Alliance, training and ordaining many
ministers. She was responsible for instituting the, “Seven Last Words” service at
Mt. Zion. Barbara respected ministerial protocol and was an avid student of the
Word.
Barbara loved to shop, travel with her husband and friends and attend ministry
conferences and workshops. She was known for her blonde hair and her long
floor length swing mink coat. Barbara believed in being honest, even when it hurt.
She always said it’s”Holiness or Hell”. Her pet name for
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?