Barbara Jean "Bonk" McKinzy

Barbara Jean McKinzy, affectionately known as, "Bonk", was born January 6, 1986, to Michael Eugene McKinzy Sr. and Carletha Renay Gaston, formerly McKinzy. She was preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Barbara Jean gave her life to Christ at an early age. Baptized with her brothers at age 7, under the late Bishop Daniel M. Jordan. She spent time increasing her Bible knowledge. Barbara Jean loved God and the teaching of The Word.
Barbara Jean was educated in the Kansas City Missouri School District and graduated from Westport High School in 2004. She was an excellent student that made the honor roll and achieved a 4.0 GPA. Additionally, she participated in ROTC where she excelled as the Company Commander three of the four years of her high school service. Barbara Jean, along with her "Tigers" beat all other schools in ROTC competitions.
In 2021 she enrolled in Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts of Boulder, CO and graduated February 21, 2023, with an Associate's Degree of Occupational Studies. Barbara also held an Associate's Degree from Missouri Western State University in Musical Arts. She excelled at playing the clarinet. Even with all of her accolades, Barbara Jean's dearest and greatest accomplishments were her children, Zyair Shantera Steele and Zyon Lee Steele, who are left to mourn their mother.
September 5, 2021, Barbara was awakened to a fire that almost claimed her life. Burned over 60% of her body, she struggled to get clear of the fire but soon realized that her children weren't out yet and went back in to rescue them. In doing so, she suffered even more burns. Despite dealing with such adversity, Barbara Jean still forged ahead throughout her treatments, with completing her education graduating with Dean's List Honors and a 4.0 GPA the following October.
After college, Barbara Jean worked as a chef at St. Luke's Hospital, providing nourishing meals to patients and staff. She continued working as a chef for Tall Grass Creek Senior Living and had just begun her new appointment at Children's Mercy Hospital. She'd also returned to school to get her Business Degree. Her dream was to own her very own catering business and she was well on her way.
Barbara Jean was a beautiful soul. She was happy and full of life. She had so much passion for life and enjoyed what she did for a living. Her absolute passion Her was cooking and nourishing others through the meals she lovingly prepared. Barbara was motivated and courageous. She loved people and had lots of friends that loved her. Barbara was funny, witty, and loved to have fun. She was known to have a great big heart and would help you with anything, in any way she could. She will be sadly missed. There will never be another like her.
Barbara Jean leaves to mourn, her loving parents: Carletha R. Gaston and Michael E. McKinzy Sr. (Corine), her two children: Zyair Shantera Steele and Zyon Lee Steele; brothers: Deron T. McKinzy, Deon M. McKinzy, and Michael E. McKinzy Jr.; loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
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