Barbara Jean Wilson

Widow-        Steven L. Wilson

Mother-       Corey L. Wilson and Crystal M. Wade

Sister(s) –     Verdie Mae Russell Anderson (Deceased), Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq.

Barbara Jean Wilson, 81 years of age, was born March 19,1940 to Willie Hubert Russell and Janie Lee Burrus Russell in Guthrie, KY.  Barbara was the oldest of three girls, Verdie Mae Russell Anderson and Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq.

Barbara graduated from Washington High School in Indianapolis and following high school she worked in a variety of positions. Most notably she was owner and operator of Melody Time Records in Indianapolis.  On June 25, 1967 Barbara Jean Russell and Steven L. Wilson were the first couple to be married in the newly constructed Mount Paran Baptist Church on 34^th and Boulevard.  They were married for 54 years until Steven’s death in June of 2021.

Her personal faith journey at Mount Paran Baptist Church was of the upmost importance.  As a dedicated servant leader and capable director of the Mount Paran Baptist Church Choir, the choir excelled during Sunday worship, and during their annual spirit-filled, creative musical productions which were widely anticipated by the congregation and community, alike. Significantly, she led the choir that recorded the gospel album entitled The Mt. Paran Baptist Church Pastor’s and Celestial Choirs On this Christian Journey released in 1972.

Barbara was a kind, caring, helpful, thoughtful, giving person who sought to be a living testament of helping, not hindering, encouraging, not opposing and one who sought to empower others to be and become their best selves. This was clearly demonstrated through her talent as a homemaker to her husband and two children Corey and Crystal. She served as their greatest advocate, cheerleader and champion for their various athletic competitions across the country. Barbara was also an avid cook who prepared and presented delicious meals for her family and friends and would routinely engage in meal preparation well before holidays and other celebrations.

As a seasoned adult, Barbara gave consistent and dedicated guidance to an Indianapolis high school young adult women’s civic /social club, Les Petite Mademoiselles, who were committed to friendship and community service.  Those women, over 50 years later, still actively engage in reunions and life updates.  She also found great joy in serving as an advisor for the civic/social club, The Montels. As lifelong friends, they have successfully continued their organization through senior adulthood.

Barbara is survived by her children Corey (Nichole) Wilson and Crystal (Demetria Bright) Wade, her sister Patricia (Errenous Earl) Russell-McCloud, and her grandchildren Khyree and Nahla.  She fully embraced the family from her husband’s previous marriage, Steven (Miranda) Wilson, Sherree Wilson, and Kevin (Susanne) Wilson; grandchildren Kyle, Kimerly, Kerstine, Marissa, Rachael, one great granddaughter, Layla; and, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s honor to;

Alzheimer’s Association

www.alz.org

Dementia Friends Indiana

www.dementiafriendsindiana.org