Wilma Barbour McDow

June 29, 2023 - Wilma Barbour McDow, 85, of New Bern, NC, passed away peacefully at Carolina East Medical Center with her beloved husband George, her daughters, and her grandchildren at her side. Around 5:50 pm, the clouds parted and Wilma gained her heavenly wings and is now with Jesus.

George and Wilma met in 1958 at a restaurant in Beaufort, NC, where Wilma worked. She saved George from getting in trouble with the MPs because he was in his fatigues, which was a no-no back then. She snuck him out the back door of the restaurant, and their friendship began. George eventually convinced her to write to him while he was overseas. The two dated for five years and married in April of 1963. Over the next couple of decades, they moved frequently as George's service in the US Marines took him to different places, including Hawaii for about a year. During that time, they formed lifelong friendships with many people who were more like family than friends. George retired from the military in 1975, after 25 years of service, and he and Wilma settled in New Bern, NC, with their daughters. They eventually started a heating and cooling business and worked side by side, with George fixing the units and Wilma managing the home and business operations. After years of serving their community, they decided to retire and sell the business, spending the next several years loving their family, welcoming grandchildren, and traveling together.

Wilma's family meant everything to her. She always prioritized their well-being above her own. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She made the holiday extra special for everyone from the annual candy and fudge she made, to the homemade pies and breads she gifted to friends and family, to the famous Cookie Night that all who had the opportunity to join will forever cherish. She had only one rule during Cookie Night: parents could not limit the number of cookies the kids could have. She urged everyone to eat until they could not eat anymore. Wilma was renowned for her cheese biscuits, and her cooking remains one of the fondest memories her family has of her.

Wilma was an active member of Crossroads Baptist Church in New Bern. Her faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life, and she devoted herself to the church. She cherished her Sunday School class and the ladies in the Swannie Colvard group, considering them a true blessing in her life. The friendships she formed with her church family enriched her own life and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, Yancy and Mattie Barbour, and her sister, Lillie Priest (and her husband Calvert). She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, George McDow of New Bern, NC; her two children, Pamela Parker (Michael Parker) of Pollocksville, NC, and Linda Barnes (Christopher Barnes) of New Bern, NC; her grandchildren, Amanda Culver (Chris Culver) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Jeffrey Kearns of Havelock, NC, Isaiah and Alexander Parker of Pollocksville, NC; her great-grandchildren, Logan and Liam Culver of Fuquay-Varina, NC; her sister, Doris Bailey (Bill Bailey) of New Bern, NC; her brothers, Robert Barbour (Mary Barbour) of New Bern, NC, and Earl Barbour (Barbara) of Beaufort, NC; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Services for Wilma are being organized through Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern but will be held on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Crossroads Baptist Church (1802 US-70 E, New Bern, NC). Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service, followed by a brief graveside service at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Wilma McDow.