Barbara Jean McMinn, 90, of Apex, NC, passed away on March 22, 2024, following an unexpected stroke, with daughter Bridget and granddaughter Lily by her side. 

Barbara, “Bobbie” to loved ones and affectionally called “Bop” by Lily, was born on April 29, 1933 to LtCol. Walter P. McMinn and Nella Eva Brady McMinn in Ft. Bragg, NC. One of four sisters, Barbara, shared many adventures with Alma, Beckie, and Maxie growing up in various locations due to their military family background (urban and rural North Carolina, Baltimore, Georgia, and Heidelberg, Germany.)

Barbara was known for her easy-going nature, optimistic outlook and ability to adapt to any situation. As a child during the war, the family relocated to Bennett, NC, to live with their maternal grandfather. With her father overseas in China/India/Burma, the sisters had to find excitement where they could in a small farming community. Barbara recounted that the highlight of the week of riding to the gas station in “town” and get a “cold drink.” She shared her disappointment when her mother would occasionally leave go to the city, she stood on the wide arms of the porch rocking chair, stretching to watch the taillights of the car till they disappeared in the dust of the dirt road. Rural life was not her favorite, but she did like to catch lightning bugs when the sun went down.

After the war, the family moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where Barbara attended high school in a famous castle. She made the most of her time in Europe, enjoyed trips with her sisters/friends, including overnight train rides to resorts in the Alps for weekends filled with skiing, skating and fun – before taking a night train back to report to work on Monday!

Upon returning to North Carolina, Barbara joined the workforce as a government employee, becoming part of “the Lunch Bunch”, a group of women with high security clearances who played crucial roles during the Vietnam war era and ensuing years. In a highly competitive recruitment process, she became the manager of the Allied Liaison Unit, Special Forces at Fort Bragg. Barbara spent the next 37 years coordinating military personnel from allied countries to attend psychological warfare school and other specialized training. She created and orchestrated cultural experiences and memorable events, connected them with host families, planned and executed tours to New York, Washington, DC, Atlanta. Over the years when new participants arrived, former participants advised that they immediately seek out “Miss Barbara.” 

Her compassion and kindness for others was known by all.

In 1956, Barbara embraced motherhood with the birth of her daughter, Bridget, whom she prioritized over all else. She provided countless opportunities for her daughter to learn, grow, and travel. It’s the little things one remembers – such as during Bridget’s childhood, with just an hour for lunch and her workplace 20 minutes away, she drove home to quickly have lunch together and drive back. Barbara’s attention to detail is indelibly woven into the 68-year mother-daughter relationship. Whether cheering from the bleachers at softball games, supporting a baton twirling passion; sending her daughter to London for study abroad or Peru/Spain/Cuba study trips, or strolling through gardens identifying every plant – Barbara was a forward-thinking mom who inspired and encouraged her daughter, and others, to strive for their dreams.

In addition to being a devoted mother and grandmother, Barbara was a beloved aunt who maintained close relationships with her nieces and nephews. “Aunt Bobbie” cherished the time she spent with family, whether it was embarking on white water rafting trips, visits to Disneyworld, searching through flower patches, or sending them her latest pottery creations.

In 1997, Barbara celebrated the expansion of her family when Bridget married Kim Chin in a glorious wedding celebration in Charleston, SC. There are many memories, trips, meals, and special moments that ensued, but they all paled by comparison in Barbara’s world with the birth of granddaughter Lily Scott Chin on June 23,2000. Barbara waited for Lily to give her a name – and it was “Bop.” Over the last 23 years, Bop was a dedicated grandmother – she attended lacrosse games, ballet/tap recitals, listened for reindeer on Christmas eve, snuck sweets when it was on the no list, cheered on accomplishments, allowed herself to be the guinea pig for a 4-year-old aspiring makeup artist, and above all, Barbara showered Lily with affection and unconditional love.

Barbara’s legacy extends far beyond her family relationships; she was also a loyal friend; esteemed colleague and beacon of positivity. Though she had good timing and delivery with her jokes, we teased that she needed new material; she was a diabetic who loved vegetables – sweet potato pie, that is; she was glamorous back in the day with her own style, and she marched to her own drummer at a time when it was not the norm. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She’s one of a kind who will be missed, and the only solace is to know that there’s a new, powerful angel looking out for us all.

Family: Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Walter P. McMinn and Nella Eva Brady McMinn; sisters Maxie Lee McMinn Dessaints (brother-in-law Rene Dessaints) and Rebecca Ann McMinn Mondell (brother-in-law Robert Mondell) and Arvo Lohela (husband of sister Alma Lohela). She is survived by her sister Alma Jane McMinn Lohela; daughter Bridget McMinn Chin, granddaughter Lily Scott Chin and son-in-law, Kim H. Chin. She was the beloved “Aunt Bobbie” to many nieces and nephews.

Remembrances: The family requests that cards/notes are sent to: Bridget McMinn, 4016 Overcup Oak Lane, Cary, NC 27519. 

Any donations in honor of Barbara can be made in her name to an animal shelter of your choice.

Celebration of Life: There will be a Celebration of Life at her former assisted living facility, the Reserve at Mills Farm, Assisted Living craft room,

 1000 Mills Chase Loop, Apex, NC. Friday, April 26 at 2:00pm, 

including cake and Goodberry’s ice cream sundaes (her favorite - and it is her birthday, April 29th).

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