- Date Of Birth: December 17, 1943
- Date Of Death: November 20, 2013
- State: Alabama
Barbara Jean Carlisle was born on December 17, 1943, in Decatur, Alabama to the late Johnnie Mae Wilkerson and the late Andrew Wilkerson. She departed this life on November 20, 2013 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was the youngest of eight children. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Thomas William Carlisle, her brother, Andrew Wilkerson Jr., and her sisters, Mary Jefferson, Grace Holden, Annie Townsend and Luella Stewart.
Barbara graduated from Lakeside High School in 1962. Her grades earned her the honor of being named salutatorian of her graduating class. In 1964, Barbara received her associate’s degree from Winona University in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1965, she wed her high school sweetheart, Thomas William Carlisle. They moved to Haverhill, Massachusetts, not to return to Decatur until 1999, when Tom retired. They were blessed with four children.
Barbara worked at the Internal Revenue Service in Methuen, Massachusetts, for over 20 years. She was also a counselor at the YWCA where the people she helped truly loved her.
Barbara attended Calvary Baptist located in Haverhill, Massachusetts and Third Baptist Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Most recently, she was a member of Unity Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama. We rejoice in knowing that Barbara surrendered her life to Jesus Christ.
Many cherished Barbara because of her quick wit and caring and warm personality. God blessed Barbara with the gift of hospitality. Both she and her late husband, Tom, always welcomed people into their home, and hearts, to help them. Barbara was very generous, and she always saw the good in people.
Barbara passed away from this life on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. She leaves behind to hold her memory dear in their hearts and minds: two sons, Duane (Shereese) of Lafayette, IN, and Johnny Carlisle of Philadelphia, PA; two daughters, Monique (Darrick) Johnson of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Carolyn Carlisle of Decatur, AL; two sisters, Billie Dean (Jerry) Stewart and Ethel Swopes, both of Decatur, AL; Nieces Joyce (Michael) Burrell and Carolyn (Willie) Baker, both of Decatur, AL; and Linda Fitts of Birmingham, AL and nephew Sammy Lee Wilkerson of Decatur, AL, 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” –Acts 20:35
