Barbara Lou Wilson

Barbara Lou (Houston) Wilson was born on August 15, 1935 to Minnie Lee and John L. Houston in Newberry, South Carolina. When she was five years old, she moved to Columbus, Ohio with her parents and her four older siblings. After a long, full life, she departed on March 8, 2023.  
 
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; Minnie Lee and John L. Houston, brothers; John B. Houston and James W. Houston, sisters; Mary L. Waldon and Amelia L. Fain, children; Michael L. Holder, and Jennifer L. Wilson, two grandchildren; Markus Holder, Jr., and Stephanie Holder Miller.

Barbara was an outstanding Home Engineer. Over the years she also held many occupations that included: Office Assistant at J.C. Penney, U.S Census Enumerator, Teacher’s Assistant, Tupperware Sales Representative, Data Processor at Baltimore Life Insurance, Accounts Payable Specialist, and Financial Aid Processor. She retired from her final position as a Grants Specialist at the Ohio Board of Regents.

Barbara Lou Wilson, affectionately called ‘Bob’ by her sisters and brothers, was a multi-talented woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a dedicated military wife for over two decades who was adept at moving her family across states and continents. An excellent educator, her children learned to adapt to multiple new cultures, and
various locations.

She was a prosperous, renaissance woman and succeeded in every task she applied her hands or mind to whether it was artistry, accounting, culinary arts, carpentry, being a seamstress, gardening, ceramist, etc. She excelled at many trades. Barbara mastered various cuisines including Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Creole, Latin, German, Italian and, of course, Soul Food. She loved cooking and sharing her flavorful dishes and baked goods with friends and family.

Barbara was passionate and committed to serving all of those who were in need. Always servicing both new military and civilian neighbors by welcoming them with freshly baked goods. Her savory homemade rolls were always a hit! She continuously purchased and provided food for birds and stray dogs and cats. She was a survivalist and always prepared for an emergency. During a blizzard in upstate New York, she shared her stored food supply with many snowed-in military families.

She was a task master and would always follow up with our work to ensure it was correct. Being a spiritual woman, Barbara taught her children and many others to come to know and trust in the Lord. She also served as a Sunday School
Teacher. She always believed in living peacefully, showing kindness at all times, and expected the same of her children.

Overall, she led her children toward developing characteristics such as being grounded spiritually, mentally and physically. She taught the importance of forgiveness through example and lovingly chastised her children with the rod of correction, when required. She was able to identify and improve the strengths, abilities and talents of each of her children. While primarily focused on raising a family with nine children, she always set aside time for her love of dance and music. Barbara also loved to entertain others by regularly hosting parties and cookouts. She encouraged us to be the best in all endeavors: education, career, parenthood, teamwork, sports, and etc.

We are grateful that she sacrificed her time and committed finances which resulted in opportunities for us to attend higher learning institutions and obtain positive careers.

She leaves behind memories that will forever be cherished by her children; Markus J.(Glenda) Holder, Verl S.(Vanessa-Deceased) Holder, Sharon L. (David) Lane, Jeffery L. (Linda) Wilson, Alicia A. (Jesse) Ware, Earnest J. (Maria) Wilson III, and Christopher A. Wilson, as well as a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews and many
friends.

Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am, Thursday, March 16, 2023 at The Chapel of Peace East, 5456 East Livingston Avenue.

Interment Glen Rest Memorial Gardens.