(Elder) Barbara J. Burrage, age 71, of Paducah, KY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 3:38 p.m., with her daughter and sisters by her side.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, SaMee (Julian) Harden of Washington, D.C.; one grandson, Jace Harden; three sisters, Billie Hixon, Phyllis Murdock, and Kathy Francis, of Paducah, KY; one aunt, Clara Jenkins; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.  Barbara is also survived by many close and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Samuel Burrage; her parents, Thomas Murdock and Cora Murdock; and four brothers, Thomas Murdock, Jr., Jerry Murdock, Randy Murdock, and W.B. Anderson.

Barbara was a 1970 honors graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School, in Paducah, Kentucky; Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky; the Paducah Leadership Academy; and she was a member of the National Management Association.  Barbara was a faithful member of Old Eighth Street Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Ninth Street Tabernacle Ministries of Paducah, KY for over 65 years.

Barbara was a dedicated pillar of the community fervently serving both Ninth Street Tabernacle Ministries, and the greater McCracken County area.  At Ninth Street, Barbara served in a number of leadership roles, including: Church Administrator, First Assistant Minister, Student Honor Roll Director, Sunday School Instructor, and interim Pastor for three years.  Barbara's deep passion to help women compelled her to lead several initiatives, including, but not limited to (the): Women Living Free; Annual Sisterhood Empowerment Conference; Women's Ministry; Women's Holiday Extravaganza Weekend; Big Sister-Little Sister; God's Chosen Young Women; Young Ladies Bible Study; and Young Sisters Stepping Out.  Using her skills as a business executive, Barbara was the Workforce Diversity and Human Resources Generalist for the United States Enrichment Corporation, where she worked for over forty-two years.

Funeral services are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Ninth Street Tabernacle Ministries.  Reverend Thaddyeus W. Thompson, Sr. will facilitate.

Friends may call on the family at the church on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.