Barbara D. Wilson passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Eden Retirement Center in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Barbara was born March 27, 1941 to Elva and Edith (Crites) DeJournett. Barbara married Ronald Ray Wilson, b. 1941, on August 25, 1962. Ron preceded Barb in death, passing February 28, 2025. Barb and Ron’s son Chris, b. 1968, married Lisa Kay Evelsizer, b. 1968, the daughter of Darwin and Linda Kay (Jones) Evelsizer, and they have a son, Mitchell D. Wilson, b. 2005.
Barbara was the youngest of seven: Leona (Ed) Greko, Loren (Mary), Carl (Lois), Betty (Glenn) Catron, Ruth (Paul) Wilson, and Robert H. (Jean). All siblings and their spouses preceded Barbara in death. Barbara genuinely loved all of her immediate and extended family and, like her mother, kept up with their lives as best she could.
After attending grade school at a one room schoolhouse, Witherspoon (Screamer), and then Weber Twp HS, Barbara worked at a seed brokerage and oil company. She later worked at the County farm office for fifteen (15) years, simultaneously attending both day and night courses at Rend Lake and SIU-C and eventually obtaining her BS and MS in Education. Ron, Barbara, and Chris made many weekend trips to Morris Library and the 710 book store at SIU-C during this time. Barbara began teaching at Bethel Grade School in 1976 and then went to Buford Grade School (District 80) as a first grade teacher for many years.
Barbara retired to help Lisa and Chris take care of Mitchell. Barbara overcame many setbacks, having suffered a stroke in 2009. Ron helped Barbara up until his passing in February. Many family and friends’ visits helped Barb in recent months: Paula P-H., Rinde P-L., Deana and Geri W., Beverly W-C., Patsy and Carol L-W., Shelly H., Tom M., Jim and Sheila F., Leslie W., Betty W-H., Natalie C., Georgia S., Marie D., Norma S., Tim and Kristie D., Paul and Becky C., DeWayne C., Paula K., Melissa and Vince C., Beth W., Emily, Jacey, and Chase S., and Amelia. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the caregivers at Anderson Hospital, Christian Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Eden Retirement Center.
A visitation will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm at Salem Mateer Cemetery in Wayne County, Illinois. Interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made in Barb’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.