Barbara J Wilson aka “Babs” was born in Hernando, Mississippi on March 15, 1939. This is ironic because Barbara celebrated her birthday for 70 years on March 1st. Barbara was one of 15 children born to Henry and Sweetie Boyd. Henry and Sweetie relocated their family to Chicago, IL in 1939. Barbara graduated from Harrison High School in 1956. She married the love of her life, Sammie Wilson in 1959. From that union they share two children, Anthony and Deborah. Barbara retired from the Boy Scouts of America in 2000 after working as the Executive Assistant for the Scout CEO.
Barbara lived a life of constant sacrifice. She was always giving of herself whether it be her cooking, her time, her advice, her support and/or her love. She was someone you could count on to come to your aid. As we all know, Barbara enjoyed being “well-informed” (aka nosey). Don’t let her catch you whispering! She would look at you over the top of her glasses and say, “Speak up! I can’t hear what you’re saying over there.” She was also known for having her own style; whether she was in short shorts and house shoes or high heels and suits, she was always strutting with pride and indifferent to the opinions of others. She was loved by many and respected by all.
Barbara was a strong-willed woman that always stood up for what she believed was right. She also loved to have a good time. Barbara enjoyed dancing and socializing with friends and family, traveling, and occasional trips to the casino whether it was Hollywood or Las Vegas. She also enjoyed more competitive activities such as playing cards and bowling. Each of these activities came with a healthy dose of smack talking along with the sounds of popping cards or rumbling pins. In a card game you could hear her saying her signature phrase, “Come on”, “Get on out there”. In bowling she was taking names and stacking trophies. Barbara was in her element with a cigarette in one hand, a glass of E&J in the other while surrounded by a healthy helping of family and friends.
Barbara went home to be with the Lord on December 28, 2019 and reunited with those preceding her in death including her beloved husband, Sammie Wilson; her son, Anthony Wilson; her parents, Henry and Sweetie Boyd; her sisters Marietta Boyd, LaVeda Boyd, Sadie Roberson, Louise Cobb, Cornelia Wayne; her brothers Charles Boyd, Henry Boyd, Jr., William “Toy” Boyd, and James Boyd.
To cherish her memories, Barbara leaves behind: her loving daughter, Deborah (Bobby); her three grandchildren Aaron (Charlotte), Alexándria, and Regency; three great-grandchildren, Jamauri, Abram, and Cameron; her loving brothers and sisters, Pearl McGee, Cleola May, Willie Boyd (Sally), Beatrice Young, David Boyd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.