Barbara Lee Wilkinson

within her petite frame. Those who called her ‘Mom,’ ‘Nana,’ or ‘Aunt Barbara’ witnessed

firsthand her incredible devotion to her family throughout her 78 years of life. Her incredible

selflessness, benevolence, hospitality, and grace speak more for her character than any words on

a page could hope to do justice. Barbara Wilkinson passed away on the morning of March 3,

2019 in Temecula, CA, surrounded in prayer by her loved ones.

Born on April 1, 1940 in Portland, Oregon, Barbara was the youngest of seven children born to

Thomas and Alberta “Boots” Fleming. She grew up in Yakima Valley, Washington, where she

became “Queen of the Asparagus Patch”—a nickname that surfaced during her mornings picking

asparagus before school. She learned hard work and noble character, and became a culinary

comforter.

Her true legacy began when she married Jerry Dee Wilkinson on September 14, 1963. She was

the epitome of a supportive and loving partner, and she put her family first. They raised four

children, Deborah, Mitchell, J. Michael “Chip,” and Cynthia. They moved all over the country as

a family—from California to Georgia to Texas and back again to California. During this time,

Barbara and Jerry worked hard to make their dream of starting their own drill rig manufacturing

company, called Spiradrill, a reality, which they did in 1981.

Throughout her life, Barbara shined as a Proverbs 31 woman. Barbara consistently went above

and beyond with any task set before her. Her family liked to joke that though Jerry was the ‘idea

man,’ she made it all happen. She ruled the roost. While building a business alongside her

husband, she raised four children, teaching them everything they know. She shined as one of the

most compassionate and giving people you could ever encounter. Her spiritual gift was that of

hospitality; if she knew someone was visiting, she would be sure to have their favorite snack or

drink, going out of her way to make each person feel welcome and special. Her actions were

filled with love.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with

wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband

also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is

deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her

for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” –Proverbs

31: 25-31

With their children grown with families of their own, Barbara and Jerry moved the business to

Smithville, Texas in 2004. There, they made many friends, were active in their church, and

became central figures in the community. After 51 years of marriage, Jerry passed away in

September of 2014. At this time, with progressing Alzheimer’s, Barbara moved to California to

be near her youngest daughter, Cynthia, where her life of kindness and love was repaid by all

who surrounded her until she went to join her Lord and Savior.

Barbara is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Thomas and Alberta, her husband Jerry, her three

eldest brothers, Allen, Flip, and Neil, her oldest sister, Patricia, and her first-born son, Billy. She

is survived by her brother Don and sister Carole; her four children, Deborah, Mitchell, J. Michael

“Chip,” and Cynthia; eleven grandchildren, Mitch, Hannah, Blair, Bailey, Chad, Joshua, Jessica,

Jamie, Julia, Katie, and Connor; and six great-grandchildren, Brooke, Lyle, Lilian, Mason,

Lydia, and Elijah.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 16th, 2019, at 11:00 am at Reliance Church in

Temecula, CA (29825 Santiago Rd., Temecula, CA 92592).

Graveside service will be held Monday, March 18th, 2019, at 2:30pm at Faulkenberry Cemetery

in Groesbeck, Texas (1215 E Yeagua St., Groesbeck, TX 76642).