Barbara Jean Wilson

Barbara Jean Wilson, a lifelong resident of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born on December 16, 1948, Barbara dedicated over 40 years of her life to teaching. She was more than an educator - she was an inspiration to her students, a respected colleague, and a mentor to countless new teachers. She had a special place in her heart for the underachiever and always believed in helping others find their potential.

Barbara was a devout Catholic and a faithful child of God. Her faith was her foundation, and she lived her life with grace, compassion, and unwavering trust in God’s plan. She was a longtime member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, and her belief in the power of prayer and the importance of family was evident in all that she did.

Barbara was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laughter, sharp wit, and unwavering positivity. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and was rarely seen without a smile. Her love for her family was at the center of everything she did, often saying, “Things of importance are always put first” - and for her, that always meant family.

She had a passion for sports - especially LSU and SLU - and was a devoted baseball fan. She also loved music, dancing, swimming, and water skiing. Some of her favorite things included concerts, watching Seinfeld, and listening to the Neville Brothers.

Barbara believed weekends were sacred, and Mondays were to be avoided at all costs.

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald R. Wilson; her daughter and son-in-law, Shannon Elise Barker and Jay Barker; her son and daughter-in-law, Jason Day Wilson and Andrea Wilson; her grandchildren, Kaitlynn Michele Wilson, Kayleigh Marie Hoover, Addelyn Rose Wilson, and Knox Victor Wilson; and her great-grandchildren, Maci Rae Kinchen, Kyngston James Tullos Wilson, Xavier Adrien Jackson, and Kreed Rion Ray Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Taft Faust and Annie Bankston Faust; her sisters, Norma Leggette Bryan, Roberta Foster, and Sarah Bankston; and her brothers, Wiley Faust and Taft Faust Jr.

Pallbearers will be David Woods, Blake Stewart, Jamare Jackson, Errol Faust, Bobby Wilson, and Knox Wilson.

The Honorary Pallbearers will be Ned Wilson, Carmen Moore, Ken Fortenberry, Robert Cousin, Wayne Booker, and Rogers Cheeks.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, October 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., at St. Margaret Catholic Church Hall, 30300 Catholic Hall Road, Hammond, Louisiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church.

Burial will be held privately.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.