Wilma Jean "Jeanie" Barrett (Burlingame), was cradled into the everlasting arms of her Savoir Jesus Christ, was redeemed and will be forever protected by our Heavenly Father for Eternity. "Jeanie", as her daddy often called her, made her peaceful journey at 03:25 AM on April 28, 2016. She rested after hearing from all of her close family.

Wilma was born to Grace Victoria and Aubrey Burlingame near the Lake of the Ozarks. They moved from farm to farm around the Lake of the Ozark and chose to settle on their lifetime farm in Russellville, MO. Mom spoke of her experiences and hard work on the farm; helping her mother, dad and brother, Lenvil, tend to all kinds of animals. Duties ranged from milking cows, tending chickens and turkeys, looking out for beef cattle and a few hogs, a couple of dogs and all of the newborn critters of the springtime. This was back-in-the days, when America was inching away from teamed mules and horses used for a lot of work on the farm. Tractors eventually replaced these majestic draft teams for plowing, turning over large corn fields and acres of hay. Then came the planting of huge gardens, storing and canning vegetables, and fruits from local trees. This lasted thru the winters and then some. There was no indoor plumbing, so that meant you pumped and had to carry water. Not to mention the chamber pot. Because some nights it were just too cold to tromp thru the snow to the ever infamous outhouse. Just keeping a fire in the pot belly stove over night was a challenge that was greatly valued come the early break of dawn.

But, all the hard work was well worth the HOMEMADE everything. I remember getting to go to our grand-parents farm enjoying fresh milk, sweet churned butter on hot homemade bread, and fried chicken or smoked ham dinners with homegrown vegetables. Everyone took their turn at churning the ripe fruits into vanilla ice cream. Then the next morning, sunrise jump-started the family with home-made biscuits with jams and jellies, bacon and those tasty "free range" chicken eggs. I recall grand-ma Grace teaching me, as she had done with her daughter (my mother), the art of peeling anything with a knife. The trick was to never cut out too much of the fruit or vegetable, while keeping a paper thin peeling that never broke. Needless to say my mom "could cook, too."

Sundays, and on other special occasions, our families came together, it seemed everybody had an instrument. Grandpa Aubrey brought out his favorite fiddles, Grandma Grace strummed the harpsichord and mama played the guitar and mandolin. Jeanie loved to sing, and yes, "she danced." I can still hear some of the best down home jamboree's, played on the farm, just north of "Lizard Bridge".  Because, south of Lizard Bridge was Lake of the Ozarks. Grandpa Aubrey often guest starred his fiddle playing to the locals near the hot spots of the lake, as well.

Back to before I came into the picture, Wilma graduated from Olean High School and left the farm life to come to the city of Springfield for school. This is where she shared a small duplex with her best friend, Eva, while she attended Draughn's Business University. She graduated in 1945. While on a "blind date" with Eva and her boyfriend, Jr., at a local dance club, Wilma met my father, just after the war was over Navy Veteran, Harlan G. Barrett. It was love at first sight and remember "she could cook, too."  Mom and Dad were married November 17, 1946.

Even though most of Harlan's folks and family were in Springfield, mom and dad moved to Michigan. Dad and his brother, Marvin, developed their talents and built their self-employed construction and carpentry business. Besides being "Mom", who birthed 3 rowdy boys into their lives, she was also our family's self-employed business manager, along with being a domestic engineer. After approximately 15 years, mom and dad moved back to Springfield to be closer to their families. And in the early 1960's my daddy found me, hiding behind one of my mama's smiles. Finally, a girl. Mom liked taking part-time jobs. One job was with a local floor covering company, while she continued to manage the books for their self-employment, not to mention an invisible award for "Domestic Engineer". Later in her life, after all the kids left home, she worked and retired from J.C Penny's after twelve years. Springfield is where mom and dad continued to live and grow their love for each other and family.

Yes, the farming settles. And the years go by. Kids grow up and the grandchildren come along. Then the great-grandchildren arrive. Wilma Jean will always be Loved, Honored and Cherished by Harlan, her husband, for being his ever faithful and caring bride. Their marriage of happiness continued just shy of their Seventieth Wedding Anniversary.

Wilma was a sweet-spirited lady with a gentle soul. She was a deeply loving and nurturing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is forever missed by her husband, Harlan; her sons, Mark and Gary Lee Barrett; her loving daughter, Debra Barrett; granddaughter, Lorisa and husband Mike Kirkpatrick; Grandson, Austin Drew Barrett and his lovely wife Ashley; great-grandchildren; Landen Blake and Violet Saree Kirkpatrick, Parker James; and our newest great-grandbaby, Paxton "Kirk" Barrett.

I'm certain she is rejoicing in Glory Land with all of her family and her youngest son, David Kirk Barrett. While she is wrapped in the warmth of all the music made in Heaven. Mama—we all will never, ever forget your warm smile and gentle laughter, your sparkling eyes and caressing touch. But most of all, we will always remember how much you loved and cared for each and every one of us in your own special way. We can hardly wait to be held in your arms again. WE ALL LOVE YOU MAMA—MEMA!!!  AMEN.

Services will be held at 3 PM, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Road, Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation or your favorite Humane Society.