Wilma (Syrcle) Brown

Wilma Brown, age 86, of Barry, IL, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Barry Healthcare and Senior Living in Barry, IL, surrounded by her family.  She was born on August 20, 1938 to Marion and Zelma (Goertz) Syrcle in Mount Sterling, Illinois. She married Donald E. Brown on April 20, 1958 in Baylis, IL.

Wilma attended Liberty Schools, graduating in 1956.  She was a member of the Barry Nazarene Church from her childhood, eventually attending Hull Nazarene Church until it’s closing, she returned to the Barry Nazarene Church- holding many church offices and was a Sunday school teacher.  After graduation, she worked in the Illinois Secretary of State office for two and a half years.  She also worked as a bookkeeper and tax preparer after graduating from the National Tax Training School in 1972.  She later worked for Harpole Accounting Firm in Griggsville, IL for 4 ½ years.  Wilma and her husband eventually moved their family to a farm near Baylis in 1974.  Wilma was a proud member of the Barry WCTU and served as the Pike County WCTU vice president.  She was the co-founder and member of the Pike County/Barry Cancer Support Group since 1992.  Upon moving to Barry in 1989, she owned and operated Brown’s Busy Bee Boarding Home for the elderly until after her husband’s passing in 1992.  She then owned and ran WEB Accounting out of her home. Wilma volunteered at the Barry food pantry and also worked part time at the Barry Public Library.

Wilma loved to sew, making quilts and craft items for her family.  She enjoyed spending time with all her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They describe her as the family “rock” and “the glue holding them together”. Wilma was hardworking, determined and very loving.  She would give the shirt off her back if anyone was in need.  She was dearly loved and will be missed by many. 

Wilma is survived by; daughters, Denise Bolin (Charles Salmons) of Barry, IL and Anita (Maurice) Hanson of Barry, IL; son, Bradley (Diane) Brown of Seguin, TX; son-in-law, Randy McCallister; grandchildren, Donald McCallister, Chad (Pam) Utterback, Brandy McCallister, Jason (Wendy) Utterback, Misty (Darrall) Stephens, Tiffany Allen, Eric Brown, Chree (Antony) Bolin, Kobie McCallister, and Kayla McCallister; 24 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Janet) Syrcle of Dallas, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by; husband, Donald Brown; parents, Marion and Zelma Syrcle; in-laws, Willis and Lena Brown; daughter, Christina McCallister; brother, Donald Syrcle and sister-in-law, Phyllis Syrcle; nephew, Kevin Syrcle; great niece, Lakisha Syrcle; and great grandson, Kyle Joseph.

Visitation will be held at Niebur Funeral Chapel, Monday, March 17, 2025, from 4-7 pm.  The funeral service will be Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 9:00 am, at the Chapel. Interment following the service at Kingston Cemetery near Liberty, IL.  Memorials are suggested to Barry Nazarene Church and the Barry Fire Department.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL is handling the arrangements. 

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