Obituary of Barri Elaine McNeil

Barri Elaine McNeil was a soft-spoken, beautiful person with a radiant smile. She loved God, praying with friends and family, sharing encouraging scriptures, camping, hiking, cooking, traveling, dancing, decorating, hair braiding, and taking selfies. She dedicated her life to being a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. Born on June 29, 1957 in the Bronx, NY to the late Robert McNeil Sr. and Helen McNeil, Barri attended Monroe Business Institute (Monroe College) where she received an Associates Degree in Stenography/Secretarial Studies. She attended New Emanuel Baptist Church in Harlem, NY where she served as the Hospitality President, Assistant Secretary, Evangelist, Choir member, and served on the Board of Trustees. Later, Barri attended Love Gospel Assembly's Bible School in the Bronx, NY. Barri worked as a Computer Operator/Programmer at Snowbird (Filtered Water Service) in New York, NY for seventeen years, where she met her best friend Joseph Carbone. In 1992, their friendship flourished into fun- filled years which then led to marriage in 2005. Joe and Barri moved to Mesa, Arizona in 2001. They enjoyed going to concerts and improvs, road trips, taking turns experimenting with new recipes, and started camping and hiking more often. Barri began working as a Physical Therapist, and held several positions at Banner Hospital until she found her niche within the Medical Records department. Barri was an active, devoted member of Generation Church where she loved volunteering for food and clothing ministries. Her favorite was the Clothing Closet, where she helped provide free clothes and shoes to families in need. Barri also loved Generation's Girls Night events, and joined a Life Group where she met a circle of sisters in Christ called the "Ladies of Patagonia." Barri leaves behind her beloved husband Joe; two children: Antoine and Bianca McNeil; three grandchildren: Jordan McNeil, Daijon Christie, and Kamryn McNeil; Sister: Marcia McNeil; Brothers: Robert and Bryant McNeil; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.