Barbara J. Shack

Barbara Shack Obituary Barbara Jean Shack March 12, 1934 — September 2, 2022 Barbara Jean Shack was born on March 12, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Frank Moss and Esther Iverson. Barbara was a daddy’s girl. Frank Moss died prematurely. Esther remarried Andrew Blanch and to their marriage was added six sons. Barbara grew up in Cleveland, a place she would always call home. She graduated from John Hay High School’s night program in 1969. Barbara had a number of occupations after graduating high school. She was hired as a nursing assistant by Euclid General Hospital. Years later, the Helix Company employed her as a clothing apparel salesperson. She worked as a clerk for Goodwill, too. In her early twenties, Barbara met Lewis Shack. To this union was added eight children. Barbara had always aspired to be a neurosurgeon. But instead, she chose to assume a higher calling, the developing, molding, and inspiring of the minds of her children. Her care and attention prepared and shaped their minds to successfully navigate the demands of various schools and prestigious institutions of higher learning. The children, thanks to her, received various accolades and continue to be recognized. Barbara was a reserved, caring, fun-loving, nonjudgmental, generous, and loving person. Her smile could light up a room. She was gentle, yet firm when she needed to be. She had a smooth soothing voice and tranquil mannerism that made you feel special, safe, and at home. Her volume was soft, her tone calming, and her words reassuring. She could often be heard wisely counseling others to, “Follow your first mind and you won’t go too far from wrong.” Frequently, she reminded you that, “God blesses the child who has his own.” Cleverly, she advised, “It’s a bad wind that won’t change.” She loved music and playing table games. It wasn’t uncommon to see Barbara at a table engaged in cards, monopoly, checkers, and —especially bingo. She also enjoyed the companionship of others. Delight filled her heart when entertaining family and friends during the holidays. She always had an extra plate to share. She treasured the company of family and friends when traveling or attending the theater, two of her favorite pastimes. She was elated by the antics of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and looked forward to seeing them as often as possible. She was a fantastic cook, topnotch party planner (especially her own birthday bashes), and a first-rate home decorator. Whether playing bingo, relishing in a performance, planning events, cooking, traveling, enjoying the company of her grandchildren, or just staying at home, Barbara loved life. Unlike many her age, Barbara was astute in using her smart phone to view movies, play games, surf the internet, and zoom in on church services. One of the most euphoric events in her life was witnessing the inauguration of the first Black president, a day she wasn’t quite sure would happen in her lifetime. Nonetheless, Barbara’s greatest joy was accepting Jesus Christ, whom she faithfully served until He called her to rest on September 2, 2022. She was an honorary member of the United Peace Missionary Baptist Church. She took pleasure in studying God’s Word with her daughter Andrea on Saturdays in a Bible study group and daily with her daughter Regina. The last month of her life was focused on studying two scriptures about family and love, John 4:7-12 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Her favorite scripture was, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” (Psalms 91:2, KJV). Her Refuge and Fortress blessed her with longevity, a full quiver, and networks of supports. She was preceded in death by her parents: Frank Moss, Esther Iverson, and Andrew Blanch (stepfather); siblings: Andrew Blanch, Rodney Blanch, Bernard Blanch, and Jerry Blanch; daughter: Annette Marie Shack (“Nitt”); granddaughter: Latisha Shack; and son-in-law: Dale Boldware. Mourning her death and cherishing her memories her children: Andrea (Dale deceased) Boldware Columbus, OH; Michael Moss Cleveland, OH; Sharon ((Robert) Hogue Cleveland, OH; Regina (Darrick) Harper Cleveland, OH; Lori (David) Malone South Euclid, OH; Lewis Shack, Cleveland, OH; Vincent Shack, Cleveland, OH; siblings: Steven Blanch Cleveland, OH, Larry Blanch South Euclid, OH; grandchildren: Dale, David, Remeka, Wesley, Ashley, Robert Jr., Terry, Tiara, Siarra, and David Jr.; 17 great grandchildren with two additions on the way, nieces, nephews, and friends. Looking forward to their reunion in heaven are her mother (“Boo”), father Frank, baby daughter “Nitt”, four brothers, and best friends, Anna Mae and Dot. The family thanks all for their sympathy and kindness and a special thanks to her sons Lewis and Vincent. We deeply appreciate your expressions of compassion and thank all for your prayers, thoughts, and gifts during this difficult time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara J. Shack, please visit our floral store. Read More

Barbara J. Shack

March 12, 1934 - September 2, 2022