Jacqueline B. Burrage

Jacqueline B. Burrage was born the fourth of eleven children to Henry Barber and Etta Mae Lynn in Memphis, Tennessee on August 17, 1946. Jacqueline moved to Chicago at a young age with her parents. She graduated from Englewood High School, Class of 1965.

Jacqueline confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined the New Friendship Baptist Church in Chicago, IL where she was a dedicated and avid member of the church and choir.

Jacqueline was united in holy matrimony to Henry David Burrage on June 14, 1980.

She was employed by the Federal Railroad Administration as an Administrative Secretary for more than 39 years until her retirement in 2007. Jacqueline took great pride in her job duties and responsibilities, and she had high expectations of her co-workers and individuals whom she supervised.

Jacqueline’s hobbies included working in her garden planting flowers, listening to music, and watching black and white classics and mystery movies, as well as old television shows such as NCIS, Hogans Hero or Columbo. Jacqueline also loved cooking and baking, and everyone was especially fond of her macaroni and cheese and punch. And, whenever possible, she loved to travel with her family. But her utmost pleasure was simply spending time with her family and close friends. Jacqueline loved her family and friends and would always welcome and open up her home to them when they came to visit. She never hesitated to offer her family or close friends a meal, a cup a coffee, or, when needed, a lending hand.

Jacqueline had a strong sense of independence and determination to do things her way. But yet, she had a heart of gold, a beautiful smile, and a great sense of humor, that was sure to entertain and engage. She always kept others laughing and prompted them to gravitate towards her as she became the center of attention. Jacqueline was loved and she loved her family and friends and she will certainly be deeply missed by all who knew her. However, Jacqueline never wanted family or friends to grieve over her departure from this life. Instead, she always wanted others to maintain memories of her during happier times that were filled with joy and laughter.

Jacqueline departed this world on February 23, 2023, at age 76. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Burrage; parents, Henry and Etta Mae Barber; three sisters, Della Barber, Mildred Jean Keith, and Rose Carolyn Barber; and one brother, Ronald Barber.

Jacqueline leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Henrietta Ware (Country Club Hills, IL), Sherron Austin (Georgia), and Ludovice (Willie) Clements (Elgin, IL); brothers, Raymond Barber (Chicago, IL), Norman (Sylvia) Barber (New Bedford, MA), and Wayne Barber (Jacksonville, FL); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends whom she was greatly fond of.

In remembrance of Jacqueline, the family could not help but reflect upon the following poem:

Broken Chain

We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name.

IN LIFE WE LOVED YOU DEARLY, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, YOU DID NOT GO ALONE;

for part of us went with you, THE DAY GOD CALLED YOU HOME.

You left us peaceful memories, YOUR LOVE IS STILL OUR GUIDE;

and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

OUR FAMILY CHAIN IS BROKEN, and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us one by one, THE CHAIN WILL LINK AGAIN.

Jacqueline’s interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.

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