Barbara L. McKay-Ancrum

Barbara L. McKay-Ancrum was born on May 26, 1946 in Williamson, West Virginia. She was the second of five children born to the late Robert and Zelda McKay. Barbara was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. After graduating from South Philly High School, she attended Temple University and received her degree in Social Work. During her time at Temple, she was able to study abroad in Columbia and became fluent in Spanish. This helped her in her field as a Juvenile probation officer.

            Barbara gave birth to her first child, John in 1964. At the age of 27, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery. She was told she would never have another child and was urged to get a hysterectomy. Defying all doctors order, Barbara beat cancer and was able to give birth to her second child in 1977 and was able to successfully breastfeed. On February 17, 1986, Barbara married Mark Ancrum and gained three additional children, Asha, Thema, and Hakim.

            Aside from family, Barbara was committed to her job as a Juvenile Probation officer. It was not only a passion of hers, but she also took an interest in the children as if they were her own. She volunteered at Girard college, cub scouts, and after retirement Barbara continued working with children and volunteered with the School District of Philadelphia as a Foster Grandparent.  She also enjoyed traveling and shopping whenever the opportunity presented itself.  During her later years, she became a praise dancer at church and was a member of 76ers Senior Dance Team, Silver Sneakers.

            Barbara was introduced to Christ at an early age and in 1979, she was baptized by Pastor Horace Sheppard Sr at West Oak Lane God and Christ, now known as Bethesda Christian Fellowship Church of God, where she remained a dedicated member until her passing.

            In the early morning of Sunday, May 1, 2022, Barbara was called home to be with the Lord. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, sister Shirley and brothers, Cornell and Tommy. She leaves to cherish in her memory: husband, Mark; children, John, Jamal (Erilda), Asha (Sherrodd), Thema, Hakim(Yahnee); sister, Yvonne; stepmother, Carrie McKay; stepsister, Rhonda; stepbrothers, Derrick and Jerome; two sisters- in law, Rose and Sharon; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces nephews and other relatives and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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