Obituary for Barbara Cusic
Barbara Jean Cusic was the second child born to James and Catherine Cusic on April 20, 1951 in Chicago,
Illinois. Both of her parents preceded her in death.
Barbara accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership
of the late Dr. Shelvin Jerome Hall. At Friendship, Barbara sang in the Young Adult Choir, shared her culi-
nary skills for the “Friendship Feasts,” participated in several committees, and her favorite was serving as Dr.
Bachus’ 10th Pastoral Anniversary Chairperson. Barbara could be seen each Sunday sitting in her favorite
seat and was a faithful member of Friendship until the Lord called her home.
Barbara matriculated through the Chicago Public School System. She attended and graduated from John M.
Smyth Elementary School and Westinghouse High School.
For 32 years, Barbara worked as a medical clerk for the Cook County Hospital currently known as John H.
Stroger, Jr Hospital of Cook County.
Barbara enjoyed cooking, shopping, singing and volunteering at her grandchildren’s school. Her guilty pleas-
ures were watching Family Feud and Judge Mathis. More than anything, Barbara enjoyed spending time with
her daughters, her son-in-law and her two grandchildren.
Barbara loved her church and it is no secret how much she doted on her pastor, Dr. Reginald E. Bachus. She
loved to hear him preach and especially enjoyed when Dr. Bachus’ sermons got good to him and he ex-
claimed, “I Know He’s Alright!”
At 11 a.m., on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Barbara made her transition from labor to reward. She was sur-
rounded by her daughters and her pastor.
Barbara leaves to cherish her memory two loving and devoted daughters: Shanrika (Marcus) Williams, and
Ikeda Lockhart; two grandchildren: Makayla and Marcus Williams; two brothers: Al (Margo) Cusic and Da-
vid Cusic; five sisters: Sandra Pettis, Julie (Amos) Smith, Beverly Cusic, Jeanette Cusic and Deborah Cusic;
three siblings who preceded her in death: Melvin Cusic, Arlene Cusic and Darlene Cusic; a special nephew,
Jeramain Cusic, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Illinois. Both of her parents preceded her in death.
Barbara accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership
of the late Dr. Shelvin Jerome Hall. At Friendship, Barbara sang in the Young Adult Choir, shared her culi-
nary skills for the “Friendship Feasts,” participated in several committees, and her favorite was serving as Dr.
Bachus’ 10th Pastoral Anniversary Chairperson. Barbara could be seen each Sunday sitting in her favorite
seat and was a faithful member of Friendship until the Lord called her home.
Barbara matriculated through the Chicago Public School System. She attended and graduated from John M.
Smyth Elementary School and Westinghouse High School.
For 32 years, Barbara worked as a medical clerk for the Cook County Hospital currently known as John H.
Stroger, Jr Hospital of Cook County.
Barbara enjoyed cooking, shopping, singing and volunteering at her grandchildren’s school. Her guilty pleas-
ures were watching Family Feud and Judge Mathis. More than anything, Barbara enjoyed spending time with
her daughters, her son-in-law and her two grandchildren.
Barbara loved her church and it is no secret how much she doted on her pastor, Dr. Reginald E. Bachus. She
loved to hear him preach and especially enjoyed when Dr. Bachus’ sermons got good to him and he ex-
claimed, “I Know He’s Alright!”
At 11 a.m., on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Barbara made her transition from labor to reward. She was sur-
rounded by her daughters and her pastor.
Barbara leaves to cherish her memory two loving and devoted daughters: Shanrika (Marcus) Williams, and
Ikeda Lockhart; two grandchildren: Makayla and Marcus Williams; two brothers: Al (Margo) Cusic and Da-
vid Cusic; five sisters: Sandra Pettis, Julie (Amos) Smith, Beverly Cusic, Jeanette Cusic and Deborah Cusic;
three siblings who preceded her in death: Melvin Cusic, Arlene Cusic and Darlene Cusic; a special nephew,
Jeramain Cusic, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.