Barbara Jean McGee

Born Barbara Jean Algee on September 26, 1950 to William Algee and Mazel Avant, Barbara is the second eldest of four including Linda Algee, Betty Sue Algee-Sayles and Larry Algee. In 1962, Barbara was baptized at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a member until her death.

On December 14, 1968, Barbara married Willie George McGee and to this union three children were born: Alfonzo Tanell, Michelle Denise, and Willie George, Jr. The couple eventually divorced after fifteen years of marriage.

Barbara graduated from Urbana High School in 1969, where she played softball. She was one of the first students to enroll in the Clerical Learning Program at the University of Illinois. Since then she has been an employee of the following: C-U Daycare, Jonathan's Daycare, Frances Nelson Health Center and Douglass Annex Coordinator for the Champaign Park District, the latter of which she was served for over 20 years until she retired. Barbara has received the Women's Achievement Award, Employee of the Month for the Park District. She has received the Race Unity Award from the Bahai Race Unity Committee and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the University of Illinois, Department of African American Studies. She was also featured in the children's book, Leola and the Honey Bears (written by Melodye Benson Rosales).

She was a member of the Trustee Board, Chairman of the Building Fund Committee, and Past Treasurer of the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. She was also an Auxiliary member of the American Legion Post #559 and a past board member of Marilyn Queller Child Care Center.

Barbara Jean McGee passed away on February 1, 2021. She is survived by two sons, a daughter, two sisters, a brother, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.