Obituary of Barbara Jo McCormick

Barbara J. (Rothert) McCormick, wife, mother and friend, was called home to the Lord on September 7, 2021 after 70 wonderful years of life. She was born on March 15, 1951 to Ernest and Gladys Rothert. She grew up in Pensacola, FL attended Pleasant Grove Elementary School, graduated from Escambia High School and attended Pensacola State College. Barbara married William (Bill) McCormick in 1983 at the NAS Pensacola Chapel. Bill wanted to marry Barbara as soon as he proposed. Barbara replied “I’m only going to do this once and it’s going to be right!” The most important person in Barbara and Bill’s life is their son Ryan, who entered the world on November 8, 1988. Barbara was a Pensacola “Beach Girl” through and through. She grew up on Perdido Bay and only left Pensacola to follow her husband Bill, as an Aerospace wife. She made close friends wherever she called home, be it Lancaster California, Warrensburg Missouri, Edmond Oklahoma and finally back to her beloved Pensacola. She gained fame as a spectacular chef and hostess to her many friends and family whenever they came to visit the “sugar white sands” and “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” Although she lived in many places, she was always a Pensacola girl at heart. Barbara was generous, caring, and “always looked on the bright side of life”. She worked in the medical field. She was a loving wife, mother and caregiver for her mom. She finally accepted Gladys’ doctor’s advice, “the woman is 92, let her eat what she wants!” Barbara was unaware how much she inspired others. Her actions spoke louder than words. She was an active member of P.E.O. BU Chapter, the Perdido Bay United Methodist Church (PBUMC) where she enjoyed singing in the choir, and a past member of the Optimist Club of Warrensburg. Some of her favorite times were creating special meals, counted cross-stitch, helping children, young adults and assisting the PBUMC community. Above all, she enjoyed fellowship with her many friends. Barbara was always willing to help others, be it her time as a Rainbow Girl in her youth, P.E.O., “Night to Shine” or the Optimists. After 32 years of being a Marine wife and “Aerospace gypsy”, Barbara and Bill fulfilled their dream and returned to Pensacola, to make their home on Perdido Bay and enjoyed the past 7 years together. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister Phyllis and is survived by Bill and Ryan. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on October 30 at the PBUMC. Barbara was truly compassionate and had a special place in her heart for children. In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations, which will be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or PBUMC, in Barbara’s name.