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Bertha Barbee McNeal
Bertha Barbee McNeal
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Bertha Barbee McNeal Obituary
We invite you to share condolences for Bertha Barbee McNeal in our Guest Book.
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29 Entries
Mary Ayn Marcinkowski
April 17, 2025
I was one of her students at Milwood Middle school, I remember her fostering my love of Motown.
Marc
June 11, 2023
I used to and still watch the velvelettes via YouTube and Bertha Barbee(I've always pronounced her name as the true "Birth of Barbee") because she was so beautiful. I wasn't born until '79 but there was something about her that was fantastic... especially her smile. Watching her made me smile and I thank her so much
Rachel Ellen
January 28, 2023
Your Legacy of Love and Passion for music and teaching lives on in each person who has the pleasure of hearing you sing. You made a difference in our lives. Thank you for following your dreams and showing us ladies how to move and groove with respect and love.
Elegantly Timeless, Compassionate and Commanding. You will be remembered and missed.
Rest Easy In Paradise
Dee Marshall
January 9, 2023
Condolences to the family of a life well lived by a wonderful creative Queen!
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CANDACE CHAMBERLAIN
January 5, 2023
I'M SADDEN TO SEE MY OLD CHOIR TEACHER HAS PASSED ON. I HAD THE GREAT HONOR OF HAVING HER AS MY MUSIC TEACHER AT MILLWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL IN 1993, BUT I KNOW TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY MEANS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD. MRS. BARBEE WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON INSIDE AND OUT AND SHE WILL SURELY BE MISSED. GOOD HAD REGAINED ONE OF HIS ANGELS THANK YOU MRS. BARBEE FOR BEING A BEAUTIFUL LIGHT IN THIS WORLD. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MRS. BARBEE IN YOUR TIME OF BEREAVEMENT,
CANDACE CHAMBERLAIN
Donald Hoskins
January 2, 2023
Just seeing this mrs.mcneal taught at milwood when I was there she was one of the sweetest and genuine souls I can remember rest in paradise queen
Crista Simmons
December 30, 2022
Bertha was such a joy to know! A very precious soul! She will be dearly missed, but know she’s in Heaven with Jesus. Got to know her through our Kalamazoo Area Music Teachers Association.
Judy McGowan
December 29, 2022
Today I attended a beautiful memorial service for Bertha McNeal, a wonderful soul that I had the privilege of teaching with at Milwood Middle School. It was truly one of the loveliest services that I have been to in my entire life. Every eloquent speaker definitely captured the essence of Bertha, a kind, caring, giving and talented woman. Well done Melva and Marty, your Mom would have approved.
Stephanie Reneé Woods Brown
December 29, 2022
I have many memories to share. Mrs McNeal I loved her. Her children are my close love. We grew up side by side in the townhouses of New Horizon Village. We heard that piano play every day for 15 years. We will be missed by so many
Susan Shields
December 28, 2022
Bertha taught at Milwood Middle School with me. She was a kind and generous person as well as a super musician. She was a favorite of the kids at school. I am praying for her and her family
Mary Rodriguez
December 27, 2022
My condolences to the family of Ms. McNeal she was my teacher at both Edison and Mirkwood jr high she was a beautiful person sweet fun teacher I was like n the choir at Edison and loved singing while she played the piano our trips to the senior centers to sing for them at Christmas time was my favorite I was so proud she gave me a solo part in a song many great memories with her she will be missed as I am now living out of state I wish I was able to attend her memorial I am there in spirit
Len
December 26, 2022
I am a 70 year old Soul and Motown fan from the UK
The Velvelettes were one of my all time favourite groups and He was really sayin´ something was an era defining track here in the UK
RIP Bertha - thank you for the music x
patricia
December 26, 2022
I am sorry to hear of the death of Ms. McNeal. May all of your hearts be comforted by God who is "the God of all comfort."
Lee Kirk
December 24, 2022
Bertha was a true treasure, and we will all miss her. I got to know her through the NAACP. She was buoyed be her faith, her love of music, her family, and all those whose lives were touched by her smile.
Jennifer Evans
December 24, 2022
I saw her obituary on TV.. made me cry because I was a student of hers back in the 80´s, I never forgot her!! she was a great music teacher! Great memories! May she rest in peace!! My condolences to her family!
Dave Ansel
December 24, 2022
"Miss Barbee" was my 5th grade student teacher at WMU Campus School in 1962. She joined me as a WMU CEHD Golden Apple awardee which brought forth an amazing friendship over the past 18 years. A simply amazing person whom I will dearly miss. RIP
Martinez
December 24, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Ruth and Ed Heinig
December 22, 2022
What a talent she was and such a sweet, generous person. "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Kimberly Knighton
December 21, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. McNeil at Milwood Jr. High School. She was always kind and personable. I will always remember her smile. May you rest in the bosom of Jesus
Stephanie Schell
December 21, 2022
Your voice will be remembered.
Jamie Baker (Stratton)
December 20, 2022
Ms. McNeal was my middle school choir teacher. She always had Neverending faith in all her students. She will be dearly missed
Ronnie kellum
December 20, 2022
Rip . I hold good memories of Mrs mcneal being my music teacher . I learned a lot from her class. Rest easy.
Elizabeth Bell
December 20, 2022
R.I.P Ms.Bertha
Bridggit (Williams) Lewis
December 20, 2022
Ms. McNeal was my Choir teacher at Milwood Middle. A wonderful beautiful spirit. Praying God comfort and give the family peace, in Christ name!
Alice Taylor
December 20, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Amy Streitel
December 19, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of Bertha’s passing. I met her while working at Macy’s here in Kalamazoo. She was a very kind lady and full of grace. She told me many stories of her time as a Velvelette, she was very proud of their accomplishments. She always took time to update me on her life as a Velvelette. She will be missed.
Robbie Ballew
December 19, 2022
Thank you for being my Millwood Middle School choir teacher Rest in paradise and hopefully my mom met you in heaven. I will miss you forever
Steele
December 19, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of one of the Velvelettes Bertha. I offer my deepest sympathy to the family at this difficult time. Praying for comfort to the family and fans.
Stephanie D Schell
December 19, 2022
Remember their harmonies on the radio over the years.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
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