Barbara Jean Dent McRae

With hearts anchored in the hope and truth of eternal life, we announce the passing of Barbara

Jean Dent McRae on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 76. She transitioned into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by love, peace, and prayer after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Born on March 28, 1949, in Appling, Georgia. Barbara was the eldest daughter of Neal and Janie Dent and the first of six siblings. From an early age, her life was a radiant reflection of Christ—marked by quiet strength, enduring faith, compassion, and grace. Barbara possessed an inner beauty that shone brightly through her warm smile, fierce loyalty, and genuine care for others. Though direct and strong-willed, her words were always spoken with a heart for truth and a desire for others to thrive.

Barbara attended T.W. Josey High School, Augusta GA, and graduated from the historic Lucy Laney High School, Augusta GA, where she was an active member of the marching band as a majorette, and played clarinet in the band. She matriculated through Benedict College, Columbia, SC, where she was a member of the Class of 1971.

Barbara delighted in the simple joys of life: flowers in bloom, thoughtfully decorated spaces, the rhythm of a home-cooked meal shared with family and friends, and dancing—especially with her favorite partner,“Matt, My Love.”

Barbara met Matthew McRae, Jr. on May 8, 1971, on the campus of Paine College, during one of his daily jogs, while he was enrolled at the Medical College of Georgia. In that moment, Matt recognized her as his God-appointed dream, his best friend, and the love of his life. He told her they would be married before the end of that year, and true to form, Matt achieved his goal.

They were married on December 31, 1971. Thanks to Matt selling a pint of blood, they were able to afford the marriage license and be married in the home of a fellow dental student, Reppard Bennett, who was also a licensed minister. Those present included the couple, the minister, and Barbara’s sister, Deborah. Their union of 53 years, 3 months, and 24 days became a testament to enduring love, partnership, and the faithful promises of God.

Motherhood was Barbara’s greatest calling and greatest joy. After six years of waiting and believing, she and Matt were blessed with four children: Matthew McRae III (Trai), Kenneth Lennell McRae, Barbara Shundria (McRae) Robinson, and Jennifer Shuntae (McRae) Robinson. God’s blessings were abundant, as they had four children within five years. Together, they built a Christ-centered home—a haven of unconditional love, Godly wisdom, and grace.

While Barbara was the biological mother of four, she nurtured many more, including her siblings, extended family, office patients, and those within the community.As the proprietor of AKJ Management, Barbara was the managing partner at McRae Family Dental, founded in 1973, where she served as the business and operations manager for over 50 years. Her presence greeted patients and staff alike with warmth, wisdom, and encouragement.

She was lovingly firm, a woman of excellence, and a strong defender of her people. She spoke the truth in love- unafraid to tell people what they needed to hear to do their work at the highest levels. Barbara’s high expectations were rooted in love—always pushing others to be their best.

A servant at heart, Barbara lived to uplift others-those she knew and strangers. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand, or quiet generosity, she moved through the world with purpose and compassion. She saw people through the lens of Jesus, and that vision shaped her every interaction.

Her leadership and involvement in community and service organizations included serving on the boards of Council on Aging, and the American Cancer Society. She was a member of the Athens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over forty years, where she held several positions, and passionately led the Delteens program. Barbara was a charter member of the Athens Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc., and a member of the Athens Chapter of The Links, Inc., where she served as Financial Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Chairperson of International Trends and Service. Barbara also shared her hospitality through hosting meetings and retreats within her home.

Barbara was a longtime member of Nations Church, where she served faithfully in various roles and ministries. Previously, she served on the deaconess board of Hill Chapel Baptist Church, and as a Bible study and Life Group leader at the Athens branch of the Atlanta Church of Christ. Her unwavering faith, spirit, and servant’s heart were a testimony to the goodness and love of God.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Matthew McRae, Jr., her children and their spouses: Matthew McRae III (Heather), and grandchildren Matthew IV (Quadji) and Madison, Kenneth McRae (Maime), and grandchildren Kenneth Jr. and Zoe, Barbara Robinson (Christian), and grandchildren Langston, Ellington, and Winston, Jennifer Shuntae Robinson (Dunta), and grandchildren Aiden, Jade, Cody, Beyla, and Kyan. She is also survived by her sisters, Deborah Dent Fisher and Beatrice Dent; godchildren, Jack Vaughn Powell, II, Khary Colbert, and Christopher Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Willie Neal Dent, Jr., “Junior,” Gerome Dent, and Cornel Dent.

Though our hearts ache with the weight of her absence, we rejoice in the certainty that Barbara now rests in the eternal presence of our Savior. Her life was a testament to God’s love and faithfulness, and her memory will live on in every life she touched.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 12:00pm at Barbara’s Manor: 1578 Archer Grove School Road, Athens, GA. Gates open at 10:00am. Join the family in giving thanks for a life so beautifully lived and now eternally rewarded.

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” — Proverbs 31:29. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MBNA-McRae Scholarship by QR code (below) or by mail to: 690 Highway 29 N, Suite 115 Box 107, Athens, GA 30601.