Norma J. Wilson

Norma Jean Wilson, who recently celebrated her 77th birthday on November 30th, was a woman who truly lived life in the brightest shade of yellow. To most she was Norma, but to those who held her heart, she was always Norma Jean.

A soul of the 1950s at heart, Norma Jean's world was narrated by the voice of Elvis Presley. She found her greatest thrills in the simple, hopeful joys of life: the focused hush of a Bingo hall, the Silver scratch of a lottery ticket, and the persistent dream of a big win. But Norma Jean knew she had already hit the jackpot-her true

"grand prize" was her family, whom she loved with a fierce, boundless devotion.

Norma Jean is now reunited with those who paved the way before her: her beloved parents, Tommy and Ada J. Wilson; her sister, Nora Oberlender, and brother-in-law, Robert Oberlender; her brother, Tommy "Buster" Wilson; her brother-in-law, Richard Barnecko; and her cherished nephews, Fredrick "Junior" Wade and Timothy Wilson. One can only imagine the music playing and the cards being dealt as they welcome her home.

She is survived by her devoted boyfriend of 48 years, Dennis Barnecko of O'Fallon, Illinois. Her legacy lives on through her children: son Festus Wilson of Arkansas; daughter Teresa (Bob Frantz) Groves of Cahokia, Illinois; and daughter Angela (Vickie Stegall) Wilson of Leachville, Arkansas.

She also leaves behind her sister, Barbara Barnecko of Cahokia, Illinois; her brother, Mark (Jacqueline) Wilson of Springfield, Illinois; and her sister-in-law, Maria Wilson of Dupo, Illinois.

Norma Jean's heart belonged to her grandchildren: Brittany (Darryl) Allen of Jackson, Missouri; Matthew Groves of East Carondelet, Illinois; Alexandra (Ryan) Mueller of Sainte Genevieve, Missouri; Andrea (Harry McCraw)

Groves of Belleville, Illinois; and Hunter (Jesse) Zepeda of Pinckneyville, Illinois. She was also a proud and doting great-grandmother to many, many great-grandchildren who were the light of her later years.

She leaves behind a legacy of sunshine, 50s melodies, and a family that will never hear an Elvis song without thinking of her smile. Though she has "left the building," her light remains in the hearts of all who knew

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 12 Noon to 2:00 PM at Braun Family Funeral Home Columbia, Illinois. Memorial Service will follow with Reverend Roger Reid officiating.

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