Barbara Dew Mackey, 88, of Beckley, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on July 13, 2026. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Barbara was born on January 27, 1938, in Beckley, West Virginia, to the late Clinton and Carrie Dew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Harold” Mackey; her sons, James H. “Jim” Mackey Jr. and Charles R. “Chalky” Mackey; her brothers, Gilbert “Ray” Dew and his wife Anita, Thomas A. “Tom” Dew and his wife Margaret, and William “Howard” Dew and his wife Ruth; and her sister, Virginia “Susie” Neal and her husband Jim Bob Neal.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Reeves and her husband Jack of Beckley, West Virginia, and Debbie Mackey and her wife Melena of Knoxville, Tennessee; her daughter-in-law, Sherri Mackey of Beckley, West Virginia; her grandchildren, Jeremy Reeves and his wife Jada, Stacy Reeves, Tamber Patton, Nikki Mays and her husband Scott, and Brittany Mackey. Also her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Teagan, Kaylee, Ryan Jenna, Jacob, Reagan, Ryder, Anson, Aiden, Ashton, Avery, Maci, Tucker and Riley. Nieces Susan Weisner, Donna Blevins and Carrie Evans and nephew Clint Neal and James Neal.

Barbara’s life was centered around her family. Being a mother came naturally to her, and she poured her heart into caring for those she loved. Her faith guided her every day, and she found her greatest joy in the people around her. She was the steady presence everyone leaned on—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

Anyone who knew Barbara will remember her warm smile and that ever present laughter. She had a way of making people feel loved and at home, without saying much at all.

Barbara’s greatest joy was having her family together. She loved nothing more than having big family get togethers and dinners, where the table was always full, the laughter was plentiful, and everyone was welcome. Those gatherings weren’t just meals—they were how she showed her love. As the family’s matriarch, she made sure everyone felt at home and cared for. Her door was always open, whether someone needed a place to stay, a home-cooked meal, or simply the comfort of being with family. She believed there was always room for one more around her table. Those moments, gathered together meant everything to her.

Barbara was always ready to help, no matter the situation. Whether it was offering a place to stay, cooking a meal, or simply listening, she showed up for people in quiet, meaningful ways. One small but telling example of her kindness was how she would sometimes pay for a stranger’s meal when she and her son Jimmy went out to eat—something she did without ever expecting recognition. She always looked for ways to pay it forward.

She leaves behind a life full of love, faith, and generosity. Her family feels incredibly blessed to have had her, and while she will be deeply missed, they take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with those who went before her.

Moms love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

A very special thank you to Melena. We will forever be grateful for the love and care you gave to both Jim and Mom.

Funeral services will be conducted to Celebrate The Life Of Barbara Ellen Mackey on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Amos E. Quesenberry Peace Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, WV with Pastor Keith Manning officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley, WV. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Monday. 

Family members will serve as pallbearers. 

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net. 

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.