Barbara Ann Rushdan

Barbara Ann Boyd-Rushdan, a cherished descendant of the Patrick and Boyd generations, affectionately known as "Barb" to her friends and family, passed away peacefully in her New Castle, Delaware home on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025. Born on April 20th, 1963, in Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of Barbara J. Malloy and Willie L. Boyd, and bonus Dad, Alfred Danny Malloy.

Barbara was a true testament to her loving nature, wisdom, and strong faith in God.

Barbara grew up in Bronx, New York, where she earned her high school diploma from the University of the State of New York Department of Education. She later relocated to Wilmington, Delaware, and was employed by Chase and Fidelity. She shared an unbreakable bond with all her family and those friends she considered family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Lee Boyd; and her nephews, Alphonso Boyd and Gerald McNair, among others.

She is survived by her husband, Wali W. Rushdan I, whom she married in Delaware on November 26th, 1999; her mother, Barbara Malloy; bonus dad, Alfred Malloy; her son, Kenneth Boyd (Danielle); her bonus sons, Wali W. Rushdan Il, Esq (Yolanda), Adib Rushdan MD (Tameka); her bonus daughters, Amirah Rushdan (nee Leslie Graves), Khadijah Rushdan (Diane), Halimah Rahim; siblings, Timothy Boyd, Elder Michael Boyd Rush (Sandy), Vera M. Boyd Coleman (Gerald), Cynthia R. Boyd-Rollins (Terrance), Verlie Belinda Boyd-Waterman, Elder Anita Whitney, Felicia A. Malloy, Dominique Boyd, EMS, William Reese, Odessa Boyd, Casey Boyd, Lydell Seymore; grandchildren, Kenneth Boyd Jr., Sincere Boyd, Isaiah Rose, Ka'Lel Rose-Boyd, Darrell Smith, Noah Rushdan, Laila Rushdan, Enzo Rushdan, Israel Rushdan, and Aaliyah Rushdan.

She is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Barbara was deeply committed to her family and possessed an unwavering Christian faith. Her faith served as the foundation of her life and provided strong guidance through both joyful and challenging times. Her smile, strength, and tenderness were a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Barb spent countless hours playing cards with her cousin (sister) Sheila, whether at family reunions in New York, Delaware, or elsewhere. Sheila and Barbara often celebrated their birthdays together, sharing an unspoken and unbreakable bond. Barb also maintained a cherished friendship with Robin in Richmond, Virginia. Barbara's loving nature was evident in the way she cared for her family and friends.

Barb will be deeply missed and remembered for her warm smile, soft and gentle voice – a voice of understanding, and the unyielding strength of her faith.

Barb enjoyed TikTok and sewing with her sister Felicia, who also served as her sewing instructor. Barbara was a member of Planet Fitness on Christiana Road, Newark, Delaware.

She enjoyed traveling to Virginia, where she received nail services every two weeks. She took immense pleasure in visiting her grandchildren in both Virginia and Delaware. Barbara attended City Church in Richmond, Virginia, and faithfully contributed her tithes monthly.

Barb cultivated a vast network of cousins, many of whom she considered siblings due to their shared upbringing across New York and Virginia. Their collective experiences included working in the fields, sharing laughter throughout the night, utilizing an outhouse, and engaging in communal worship and prayer.

Barbara was profoundly enriched by love, happiness, and abundant blessings. She often expressed, "Jesus Got Me," and by extension, "He Got You."

So shall it be said, and so it was done.