Barbara Lois Wilson Sharp was born in Guthrie-Fairbanks, LA, September 3, 1932, to her parents Phillip and Christel Jones Wilson. Barbara was raised and baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church, where Pastor Rev. Felix Thompson was the leader. After the death of her father in 1947, her family relocated to the Wilson-Burton Family Estate on Highway 165 North. The family united with Evening Star Baptist Church, where Pastor James Chamberlain was the leader. She was active in Sunday School, choir, and leader of the Sunshine Band.

Barb, as she was affectionately known, was an honor student and served as...