Velissa Michelle Barr was born on March 21, 1970, to the late Mr. Albert J. McKenzie, Jr. and the late Mrs. Bessie Lee McKenzie in Middletown, CT. She departed this life peacefully in her sleep at her home in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 18, 2025.

Velissa attended public schools in Middlesex County, CT, and later in Florence County, SC, graduating from Hannah Pamplico High School in 1988. She went on to build a successful career in healthcare insurance, customer service and Technology. She worked for several companies, including Aetna US Healthcare, Assurant Health, Client Logic, BCBS, Eau Claire Cooperative Health, and most recently, PricewaterhouseCoopers. She worked as a Business Analyst. Velissa was a lifelong learner, earning her Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2011, her Master’s in Business Administration in 2014, and her Master’s in Education Technology in 2016.

She was raised in Aimwell Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir alongside her cousins and participated as a Sunday school student. Velissa dedicated her life to Christ in her early twenties and remained active in her faith, attending various churches throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert J. McKenzie Jr. and Bessie Lee McKenzie, three dear uncles, John David McNeil (from whom she earned the nickname “Muggie”), William Earl McNeil, and John Roy McNeil; and her loving grandparents AJ and Mazie McKenzie and Quince and Mitlene McNeil.

She dedicated her life to raising her children and cherishing her time with her grandchildren. Velissa enjoyed traveling, dancing, and being surrounded by friends and family.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three devoted children Shemika (Shawn) Holmes of Georgetown, SC, Myiesha Latrell Barr of Lexington, SC, and her loving son Dontrey (Solana) Barr of Land O’ Lakes, FL; six adored grandchildren Taylor, Mikalyn, Chloe, and Elden “Isaiah” Holmes, all of Georgetown, SC, and Dontrey Jr. “DJ” and Camille “Cami” Barr, both of Land O’ Lakes, FL;  her loving younger brother Albert “Gerald” (Kimberly) McKenzie of Charlotte, NC; favorite uncle James “Frankie” (Gwen) McNeil of Pamplico, SC; four loving aunts Quincey Davis of Effingham, SC, Mary Alice (Rev. Eark Lee) Timmons, Virginia “Bunnie” McKenzie, and Mazie Lee Long, all of Pamplico, SC; bonus son Quadir (Kadijah) Wilson; a special first cousin Wanda McNeil; her      special life-long friend Wanda Fleming; former spouse, her children’s father Mr. Ernie Joe (Angela) Barr, Jr; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Velissa’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.