Barbara Jean Cook McKendree (“Bobbie”), age 85, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on December 7, 2023 while at home and surrounded by her family after prolonged illness.
Born on April 8, 1938 in Fernandina Beach, Florida to (the late) Clarence Hilton Cook and Bertha Parrish Cook. She grew up in Fernandina Beach and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1956. She married Gerald T. McKendree (“Jerry”) of Callahan, Florida shortly after graduation in August of 1956. Jerry and Bobbie relocated their family to Brewton, Alabama shortly after the birth of their oldest daughter in 1957, and raised their family there for the next 45 years, before returning home to Fernandina for retirement.
Bobbie was a homemaker for many years, but also frequently served as a substitute school teacher in Brewton City Schools, as well as other positions within the school system, such as Media Center Specialist for both the middle and high schools. Over the 12 years following their marriage, the couple welcomed three children into their home; Cindy, Gerald and Christie. Her children remember her as a loving mother who always supported them in their extra-curricular activities and encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Bobbie was an accomplished athlete and often enjoyed softball, volleyball, golf and fishing. She was an amazing cook who loved to host meals for large gatherings. She was also an avid gardener and enjoyed creating a beautifully landscaped yard with numerous flowers of all colors and varieties.
She was an active member of Alco Baptist Church in Brewton for 45 years, and also at Springhill Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Fernandina as a child and later in retirement.
Bobbie leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Gerald T. McKendree Sr. (“Jerry”); Children, Cynthia Arleen McKendree of Fernandina Beach; Gerald Thomas McKendree Jr. (Deb) of Flowery Branch, GA; and Christie McKendree Miree (Mark) of Marietta, GA; as well as 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilton and Bertha Cook, and her only brother, David Everett Cook Sr.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Springhill Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the hour of service at Springhill Baptist Church.
She will be laid to rest in Live Oak Cemetery in Callahan, Florida at 11:00 am on Monday, December 11, 2023.
Flowers may be sent to Oxley-Heard Funeral Home or donations may be made in her memory to Springhill Baptist Church Building Fund.