Barbara Jean McMillian, 78, of Springfield Mo departed from this life on Thursday March 1, 2018.

She was a 1957 graduate of Parkview High School in Springfield.

Barbara was the loving daughter of Elmer and Ruth Neff and Marie Lavern. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Dodson; sister, Margaret O’Neil (John); Sister-in-law, Jan Lavern (Jim Lavern); several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband, Joe Dee McMillian; her parents; and her brother, Jim.

Kind, fun, world traveler, humanitarian, benevolent, loving...just some of the words that come to mind when thinking of Barb (Barbie). She gave selflessly of her time and heart to those causes she held dear, family and friends being primary. She volunteered in many roles at St. Agnes Catholic Church of which she was a member for many years. She served on the Springfield Little Theatre Guild and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. She was passionate about music, theatre and the arts. Her southern “whatcha’ doin’ sugar” or “Hi honey I love you so much” resonated with so many through the years. In her lifetime, Barb did all that she could to do everything on her Bucket List...parasailing in Florida, train travels through the mountains, bus trips to ballparks and ballgames, visits to Washington DC, every live play and show she could attend, but probably her trip to Israel with special friends was high on her list of accomplishments. Barbara will be missed greatly by family and friends and any who came in contact with her.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00am Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at St. Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson, Springfield, Missouri.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at St. Agnes Cathedral with Father Lewis Hejna, celebrant. Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in Barbara’s name.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home where permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com .