Barbara Palmer McKenzie

Barbara Jean Palmer McKenzie, age 77, of Christiansburg, Virginia, was born on Wednesday, September 8, 1948. She was the beloved daughter of the late Odell William Palmer, Sr. and Pauline West Palmer.

Barbara was united in holy matrimony to Freddie “Fred” Andrew McKenzie on Saturday, August 5, 1972. Their union was one of love and devotion until his passing on Sunday, March 31, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Joseph McKenzie, Elder Leroy Parsons, and John Hairston, Sr.; her sisters-in-law, Roxie Ford Palmer, Ruby Jean Taylor, Rose Norwood, Sylvia Hairston, Sarah Hairston, and Margaret Billups; her son-in-law, Derrick Barnes, Sr.; and her nephews, Craig Palmer and Dana Palmer.

Barbara began her education at Friends Elementary School and proudly graduated from Christiansburg Institute. She later attended Harcum College in Philadelphia, where she discovered a deep passion for working with children. After returning to Christiansburg to marry and begin her family, she remained committed to her dream of becoming an educator.

Following a move to West Virginia, Barbara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from West Virginia State University and continued her academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree in Education. She devoted many years to teaching as a kindergarten teacher at Mound Elementary School. Later, after relocating to New Jersey, she served as Director of the Johnson & Johnson Child Development Day Care Center, where she continued to nurture and guide young minds until her retirement.

While residing in West Virginia, Barbara remained a devoted and faithful church member. She was raised in the church at Asbury United Methodist Church, where her foundation of faith was firmly planted. After relocating to West Virginia, she became an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a pianist for the Thompson Mass Choir, Children’s Choir, and Male Choir, using her musical gifts to glorify God.

Upon moving to New Jersey, Barbara united with First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, continuing her lifelong commitment to worship and service. In 2011, following her retirement, she returned to her home roots of Christiansburg, Virginia. During this time, she often shared her musical talents at First Baptist Church in Blacksburg.

Completing a beautiful full circle of faith, Barbara rejoined Asbury United Methodist Church alongside her daughter on Sunday, July 20, 2025, where she worshiped once again among familiar walls and cherished memories.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her only daughter, Freddie’Nicole McKenzie-Barnes. She is also survived by her loving siblings: Allen Palmer; Odell “Billy” Palmer, Jr. (Karan); and Phillip Palmer (Shirley). She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Virginia McKenzie and Bertha Parsons.

Barbara was a devoted and proud grandmother to N’Dia Braxton, Nylan Childress, Derrick Barnes, Jr., and Del’Kwon Barnes, and a treasured great-grandmother to Sailyr Braxton and Lir Braxton.

She also leaves a host of beloved nephews and nieces, including Aaron Palmer (Lidia), Keith Palmer, John Hairston, Jr. (Kimberly), Timothy McKenzie (Amesha), Shaun Richardson, Angela Palmer Banks (Rudy), Michelle McKenzie-Muhammad (DeJuan), and Sasha Eaves. Extended nieces include Alesha Elzy Jones (Joseph) and Linda Joy Clements (Omar). She also leaves someone who will always be family, Pat Palmer, along with many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

A memorial service will be held Saturday February 21st 2026, 11am at Asbury United Methodist Church located at 500 Stuart St Christiansburg VA 24073. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:30am.