In Loving Memory of
Barbara Jean Burnett
December 26, 1945 – December 25, 2020
A Virtual Memorial Gathering was held on January 17, 2021 at 4:00 PM CST
Barbara Jean Burnett (affectionately known as “Barb” or “Bobbie Jean”) was born to the late Doretha Harris and James Moore, December 26, 1945 in Cruger Mississippi. Barb lived in Cruger with her beloved maternal grandparents Earnestine (Mama) and Earnest (Papa) who preceded her in death and her younger sister Geraldine (Gerri).
In 1952 her family relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she received the remainder of her formal education. She attended Parkman Elementary School and graduated from Hirsch High School in 1964.
Barbara married the love of her life, Savoy Burnett in 1968 and to this union one daughter was born, British (Brit). Always aspiring to achieve greater accomplishments, Barb decided to go back to school to obtain her college degree. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chicago State University in 1979. Barb continued with her education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams School of Social Work where she received her MSW in 1997.
Barb was always a go getter and hard worker who worked a variety of jobs for different companies throughout high school and college, including Cook County Hospital and Provident Hospital. She started her professional career in the field of mental health care at the Illinois Dept of Mental Health. She also worked for the Woodlawn Organization, Ada S. McKinley and for the Department of Children and Family Services where she worked as a supervisor until she retired in 2015.
Being the oldest out of seven siblings, Barb was the enforcer, protector and caretaker. She was always nurturing and keeping her younger siblings in line. As an older sister, she was their shelter and safe place. She was in their corner and their fight was her fight. Even though she only had one child, and one grandchild she was a mother to many. Barb’s favorite past-times included trips to her favorite casinos with her late mother Doretha and sister Gerri, where she was quite often lucky and was not selfish with sharing her winnings. She also enjoyed stepping to her favorite music, roller skating, and cheering on all of the Chicago sports teams. During her retirement she enjoyed watching cooking shows and trying out new recipes on her family.
Barb will be remembered for her strong and fierce personality. She held tight to her convictions. She said what she meant and meant what she said. You always knew where you stood with her, she either liked you or she didn’t. She wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything and was always up for a challenge. If you were lucky enough to be in her orbit you would also know that she was a loyal and supportive friend and would go above and beyond to help you out. She was someone you could always count on through good or bad times.
Barb’s precious memories will linger on in the hearts of her loving husband of 52 years Savoy Burnett, her only daughter British Burnett; granddaughter Brianne Pickett; sisters Geraldine Ireland, Gwendolyn Harris, Valerie Harris, Yvonne Harris, Marcia King, and Shandra Moore; brothers Barnard Moore, Larry Harris, LaPlause (Diane) Moore, and Marvin Moore; aunt Carrie Walls and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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As a DCFS Colleague of Beautiful Barbara (in which I affectionately call her), I echo ♥ the many sentiments of my other DCFS Colleagues. Barbara was very knowledgeable and never hesitated to share her wisdom ? ✨ ? ? about life. When she would tell her many stories, you could always learn something new and or have another aspect. And, to make it more interesting, she was very comical in her delivery. Barbara most definitely loved ❤ her Family and would often talk about them. Her Daughter ? and Granddaughter was her Heart in which she would always say that she was working a little longer to help them, if needed. Beautiful Barbara will be deeply missed ? and may she continue to rest in the Bossum of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ? ❤……
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I had the pleasure of working with Barb at DCFS. We also attended school together at U of I Jane Adams . Barb loved to talk about her family. We also both enjoyed going to the casino and in the 1990 she and I with three other co-workers took a trip to Las Vegas. Barb was full of energy and fully enjoyed life. I will deeply miss her. My prayers are with your family
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Barbara was a remarkable woman, who helped and guided many, and made a substantial positive contribution to this world. She will be greatly missed. Barbara never failed and encouraged all to achieve their dreams and go for it. Rest in Peace and smile down on everyone from your heavenly resting place.
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Barbara was a very strong, but yet a very loving and kind person.
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My dear friend, Barb,
I SALUTE YOU
You will forever be in my heart.
Love you
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Barbara and I have been friends for many years. She was a funny, witty and smart woman who knew a lot about life. She lived life and motivated those around her to love it too. Rest in Heaven dear friend.
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I have known Barbara for a little over 30 years What I remember the most is she would give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it
she was kind ,caring ,giving and a beautiful person I’m am sure she is watching us from her place in Heaven rest in peace my dear friend
“Doe”
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I had the opportunity to work with Barb for many years. I met Barb back in the late 80’s when we worked at Ada S. McKinley. We then both came to DCFS where we worked in the same office for most of our years with the exception of Barb going to Juvenile Court where she was a Facilitator. We served as Supervisors together at Cook South. Attended parties together. But most of all Barb was always so sweet and always happy. She enjoyed telling stories and a joy to hear them. Barb loved people and the families she worked with. Always going the extra mile to get them what they needed. British- Your Mom loved you and your daughter. Over the years Barb introduced me to you many times. We all miss you.
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I always thought of Barbara as a strong woman that knew what she wanted. She was always kind and understanding too me, and I am sure she will be missed by many. I know for sure she is in a better place now because she was a good person and deserves only the best the Lord can provide for her, rest in peace Barbara.
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I’m glad I had the chance to meet Mrs. Burnett and witness her beautiful and outgoing personality.
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My sweet cousin had a heart of gold….I’ll never forget our regular Saturday n Sunday visits when we would come on Dobson to have family time. After dad passed you kept in touch with us and I love you for that. We always said we loved each other and I’m so glad for that. I know it’s a heavenly party with Ree, my daddy and uncle Willie…..Sweet Rest cuzn
Love Tasha
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Barb had such a warm and caring spirit! When Geri introduced me to her family, Barb truly treated me as such! Barb allowed me to call her at any time when I could not contact Geri. She never made me feel like I was over reacting with concern or that I was bothering her. We all need an additional contacts when it comes to those who are dear to us. She was that person for me and my friend, her sister Geri.
I admired Barb for her zest in life and her love of her family. We ran into each other often and we could always talk as if we were best of friends. I’m going to miss her kindness, wittiness and laughter. I am grateful to have met all of you guys, you have a very loving family and my prayers are with you all and the lost of your beautiful sister. I have wonderful memories of Barb and they will truly stay close to my heart. The thought of her no longer being here is heavy on my heart. She looked forward to her retirement and I was elated when she decided to do so. She was a hard worker. I know God has her and her life is one that is sealed with, “Good job Barb, your rest is well deserved’, you were one of the best! Love you
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Barb was a great women whom I truly admired. She’s one of the reasons why I am the woman that I am today. I had my first daughter when I was 17 and Barb always told me that I can still be successful and never give up on my dreams. I felt honored when she told me a few months ago that she was proud of me. I will always remember her kindness and she will truly be missed.