Barbara J. (Miller) Wilson

Barbara J. Wilson, age 80, of Lakeview Heights, Morehead, wife of Dr. Jack E. Wilson and a retired St. Claire Medical Center nurse, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at her home.

Barbara was born March 1, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to Herbert Alfred Miller and Allison Henderson Miller.  When she was about two years old, her father joined the Marine Corps and Barbara and her mother lived with her grandparents, Otto and Harriet Miller in Akron until Barbara was 12 years old. When Barbara’s dad returned from the Marine Corps, he became an employee of B. F. Goodrich in Akron, where he and his father Otto each worked for 40 years.  (Later, Barbara would become the third generation of Goodrich employees.)

Barbara attended Crouse Elementary School in Akron and walked about a half mile each way. When the family built a new house and moved to Copley, Ohio (a suburb of Akron) in 1954, she attended Copley Elementary School from 4^th grade and graduated from Copley High School in 1958.  (Barbara attended her 60^th high school reunion in Akron in 2018.  Approximately 50 people, some living as far away as California, also attended.)

Barbara’s first job was at HydroPonic (the company made plant fertilizer).  About a year later, she took a job at B.F. Goodrich Tire and Rubber Company in the Payroll Office.  She was later promoted to the position of secretary to the Plant Manager at Goodrich. 

Barbara met Jack E. Wilson at Noble Avenue Church of Christ in Akron where he was serving as Youth Minister and working on an MA degree at Kent State University.  Jack and Barbara were married in 1960.  In 1962, now including daughter Diane, they moved to Canton, Ohio, where Jack served as Youth Minister in what was then the largest Christian Church in America.  After one year, Jack received an opportunity to join the faculty of Great Lakes Bible College in Lansing, Michigan, and work on his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.  Jack had a dual appointment between Great Lakes Bible College and Michigan State University.  Barbara took a job, working night shift, at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.  During the four years they lived in Lansing, two sons were born, James in 1963, and Michael in 1964.

The family moved to Morehead, Kentucky, in 1967.  Jack was ABD (all but dissertation) on his doctoral degree and took a job in the Division of Communication at Morehead State University.  Shortly after their move to Morehead, a daughter (Christine, 1967) was born.  In 1970, daughter Kimberly was born (now, 3 girls and 2 boys).

While the children were still young and with help from husband Jack and babysitters, Barbara went to work at St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead, KY.  When MSU began their nursing program, Barbara gave up her job in the Nursery at St. Claire and began taking classes at MSU.  For the next 13 years, her days and nights were occupied with taking classes, studying, raising children, running the taxi service for the children, etc.  At one point, the two sons and one daughter played basketball and one of the girls was a cheerleader.

When Morehead State University began its LPN program in nursing, Barbara took classes part time for two years (plus working at St. Claire Medical Center in Surgery, in addition to all the above-mentioned activities).  She took additional classes at Maysville.  Barbara retired from St. Claire Medical Center after 28 years of service. 

Barbara and Jack built a new home in Lakeview Heights in 1967-68 and have lived there ever since.  They are the family with the longest residence in Lakeview Heights.

Barbara is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Jack E. Wilson; daughter Diane Wilson Coomes and husband T. J. of Wellington, Kentucky; son James H. Wilson and wife Jerri of Waco, Kentucky—children Nicholas Wilson of Morehead and his wife Alicia and children (Barbara’s great grandchildren) Carson and Lauren; daughter Allison Wilson of Winchester, Kentucky—stepson Dylan of Waco, Kentucky; Michael Wilson and wife Nora—son Preston and stepdaughter Naomi of Spotsylvania, Virginia; Christine Wilson Hardin and husband Tony—son Jacob of Versailles, Kentucky; and daughter Kimberly Wilson Meade and husband Wes—sons Zach and Zane of Port Charlotte, Florida.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Ciera Devyn Gregory, daughter of Diane Coomes and Tony Gregory, who died in infancy.

Barbara was a long-time member of Farmers Christian Church.  She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who will be greatly missed. 

A funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with ministers Tony Hardin, Billy Noble and Glen Wilson officiating.  (Those who wish to participate may join live streaming of the service at 4 p.m. on Northcutt & Son Facebook page.)   Interment will follow at New Alfrey Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers:  Danny Brotherton, Chris Cantor, Sam Cross, Jason Curtis, Jacob Hardin, Darwin Thoroughman, Larry Wilson, Nicholas Wilson.  Honorary Pallbearers:  T. J. Coomes, Ed Curtis, Jerry Hitzman, Shelby Lawson, Sr., Wes Meade, Zach Meade, Zane Meade, Aza Mendez, Jim Sarvis, Larry Thornton. 

Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.  COVID-19 restrictions will be observed. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Claire Hospice, 222 Medical Circle, Morehead, KY 40351

Sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com 

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