W.T. Shumake & Daughters

September 7, 1948 – May 31, 2026

Barbara Ann Wilson, 77, of Louisville ,in the quiet comfort of her home, slipped peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday morning, May 31, 2026.

Visitation 10-12 Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Seventh Street Christian Church, 122 W. Seventh Street, Paris, Kentucky. Funeral will follow at 12 noon. Burial Paris Cemetery 1603 South Main St.

Born on September 7, 1948, in Paris, Kentucky, Barbara was a woman whose presence filled every room with honesty, humor, and an unshakable sense of self. She was the daughter of William Allen Wilson and Bettye Rosa Wilson, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her beloved brother, Charles Kenneth Wilson.

Barbara was Paris, Kentucky through and through — raised in its close-knit community, shaped by its traditions, and rooted in its love. She remained there most of her life until illness required her to relocate to Louisville to be surrounded by family. Even then, her heart never left home.

At an early age, Barbara began her faith journey at 7th Street Christian Church. When she moved to Louisville, she continued that journey at No More Limits Christian Church.

Barbara’s work ethic was legendary-
After attending Paris Western High School, Barbara went to cosmetology school and did hair in her home while working nearly 20 years at Dura/Weaver Corporation - where she broke barriers by becoming the first and only female welder in the company’s history. Her hands were steady, her determination unmatched, and her pride in her work unmistakable.

When Dura/Weaver closed, Barbara attended Health Care Training School, earning her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse – serving patients across Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Cincinnati through Caretenders. Caring for others wasn’t just a job — it was a calling she fulfilled with compassion.

Although she was a proud member of the Elks Club in Lexington, Barbara later transferring her membership to Jennie D. Porter Temple #727 in Cincinnati. She also co-founded one of the first “all-women riding” motorcycle clubs, the Steel Fillies, alongside her dear friend Lauryn. She loved her Night Hawk 750 and her Kawasaki 1100.

Barbara loved to color, write poetry, and lose herself in old cowboy shows. She was funny in a way that was effortless. Her children will forever laugh at the memory of her tossing out the Christmas tree each year because the house wasn’t clean before she and her sisters returned from Christmas shopping — a story that will be told for generations.

Barbara leaves to celebrate her life are her beloved children: Gregory C. Mack Jr. (Elona), Christine Mack, Deanna D. Lee (Emery), Nathan S. Mack Sr. (Latasha) and Leon M. Mack (Debbie), three sisters – Virginia Sue Wilson, Carolyn W. Bruton and Stacey Wilson, three brothers William A. Wilson, Christopher A. Wilson and Joshua Wilson, fourteen grandchildren – Ciara Gardner, Justice Marmara Mack, Garrison Mack, Tiyon Mack, Jeshua Finley(Paige), Robyn Riley, Nathan Mack II, Nora Mack, Natali Mack, Nia Mack, Erica Neal, Darius Mack, Jessalyn Mack, Micah Mack, one great grand Nala Mack and a host of other relative and friends.

Though her earthly journey has ended, the imprint of her life remains — in the stories told, the lessons learned, the love shared, and the strength she passed down.