Barbara Mae “Bobbi” Wilson, born December 16, 1938, in Hurst, Illinois, and called home on October 13, 2026, in Robinson, Illinois, lived a life marked by steadfast faith, quiet strength, and a heart ever turned toward those she loved. She departed this earthly journey after a long period of failing health, yet the light of her spirit remained bright, and her memory shall long endure in the hearts of all who knew her. In the manner of one who walked humbly with God, she bore the seasons of life with grace, intelligence, and a faith-filled resolve that lifted others even in times of trial.
She was the beloved daughter of Paul Bernol Farley and Madge Elizabeth (Whittington) Farley, both of whom preceded her in death, and she was likewise preceded in death by her husband, Jerry L. Wilson, and her brother, Bruce Farley. She is survived by her sons, Glenn D. Wilson and Garry D. Wilson, who were a source of abiding pride and joy throughout her life. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Nicole (Brad) Robbins, Steven (Kristi) Ham, Crystal (Steven) Grapes, Derek Ham, and Tayler (Reece) Hirons, along with her great-grandchildren, Halley Ray Hirons and Taylor Robbins. Her sisters, Paula White and Vickey Compton, remain to treasure her memory, as do several nieces and nephews who were touched by her kindness and warm presence.
Bobbi graduated from Mount Vernon High School with the Class of 1956, and she carried the discipline and determination of those years into every part of her life. Besides the sacred calling of being a wife and mother, she worked as an insurance secretary for her husband’s insurance business, where her diligence and dependability were well known. In time, she earned her own insurance license and served as an agent for Illinois Mutual Insurance Company, a testament to her intelligence, perseverance, and willingness to grow in skill and service. She was a woman who understood the value of honest labor, and she approached her work with the same steady devotion that she brought to her home.
A Christian in faith, Bobbi lived with a spirit that was both gentle and strong. She was intelligent, faith-filled, and spirited, and these qualities shone through in her words, her actions, and her care for others. Her life reflected the truth of Scripture, that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and she sought not the praise of the world, but the peace that comes from walking in the Lord’s light. In her presence, one found encouragement; in her counsel, wisdom; and in her love, a steadfastness that did not easily fade. She was a Sunday School teacher, a Bible School Leader and teacher and a beloved member of the Pearl Chapel Methodist Church, Robinson, IL.
Her family and friends will remember her not only for the roles she fulfilled, but for the grace with which she fulfilled them. She was a woman of dignity and warmth, one whose faith gave her courage and whose love gave her life its richest meaning. Though death has closed the final
chapter of her earthly story, the beauty of her example remains. As the poet John Milton wrote, “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” Bobbi, by faith and character, seemed ever to make of her life a place of hope, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence.
Now she rests from her labors, reunited with those who went before her, and held in the everlasting mercy of the Lord she served. May those who mourn her be comforted by the promise that death is not the end for the faithful, but the doorway to eternal peace. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy one of love, devotion, and Christian grace.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara Mae Wilson will be conducted Saturday October 24, 2026, in the Pearl Chapel Methodist Church with Pastor Fred White officiating. Interment will follow funeral services in the Pearl Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of funeral services at 1:00 pm at Pearl Chapel Methodist Church.
The family suggests that the memorial donations in Barbara’s memory be made to the Pearl Chapel Methodist Church with envelopes available at the Church or at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, IL
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