Barbara Jean Howard

Barbara Jean Howard, age 97, passed peacefully on November 3, 2024, in Neosho, Missouri, just one day after her birthday. Born on November 2, 1927, in Galena, Kansas, she was one of seven children of Mansford Oliver Wilson and Emma Olive Gibson Wilson.
Barbara was known for her dedication to family, her generous spirit, and her remarkable talents in the kitchen and craft. After devoting herself fully to her home and family, she went on to work many years at Bone Shoe Factory and Poultry Packers in Neosho and Anderson, Missouri. As a homemaker however, she was a supreme baker, celebrated for her beautifully decorated cakes and wonderful cooking. Her garden was her pride and joy, providing homegrown produce for canning and sharing. Barbara was also a gifted seamstress who created beautiful quilts that will be cherished by her family for generations.
Barbara married Eddie Howard on December 4, 1944, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Donna and Beverly, and a legacy of love that extended to five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren. Eddie preceded her in death on August 13, 2009, after 64 years of marriage.
Barbara's faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of Burch Baptist Church. Her family was the light of her life, and she was known for her selflessness and generosity, always putting others before herself.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Donna Hames and husband Don (Duck), and Beverly Cargile and husband Lonnie, all of Neosho; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Hames (Linda), Donette Baird (Jeff), Chad Hames (De), Adam Hames, and Nathan Cargile (Jodi); nine great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a sister, Della Sue Lutz (Pat) of Hutchison, Kansas, and a brother, Max Wilson (Carolyn) of Portland, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie, her parents, three brothers, Ernest, Junior, and Eldon, and a sister, Eula Jo.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Oakwood Cemetery, south of Neosho. Honorary pallbearers will include her beloved grandchildren: Jeff Hames, Chad Hames, Adam Hames, Donette Baird, Nathan Cargile, Ryan Cargile, and Brandon Cargile.
In remembrance of Barbara's caring spirit, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her honor.