Barbara Alto Wilson, a long-time resident of Hampton, passed peacefully on December 7, 2019 in Smithfield, VA. Born in Richmond, VA on January 14, 1933, she spent her first 12 years with her uncle and grandmother on their farm in Gates County, NC. In 1951, she graduated from Newport News High School where she was an honor student, played field hockey, won awards for sewing, and then married the love of her life.

Barbara was a switchboard operator at Bell Telephone but left work when she became a mom. When her children were young, she was a homeroom mother who brought punch, cupcakes, and fun. After the children were in elementary school, she worked as a switchboard operator at Sears and stayed for over 30 years. She also trained new employees and was honored in Chicago as the outstanding trainer nationwide. During that weekend, she joined several Sears colleagues at a local restaurant and overheard a rich voice comment "Do I hear a North Carolina accent?" She responded that indeed, he did, and ended up enjoying a glass of wine and conversation with Michael Jordan, unimpressed that he was that Michael Jordan.

Her love of animals started on the farm and was a friend to the furry, feathery, and scaly beasts that crossed her path. Her first collie was a present when she was expecting her first child, and the welter of dogs and cats grew and prospered throughout her life. She was rarely dogless. A long-time member of Merrimac Dog Training Club, she trained many people to train their dogs (although hers were not always the most obedient). She was a proud foster fail: many needy dogs joined the family and rarely did a dog leave for another home.

Barbara lived an unconventional life in a conventional way. Retirement from Sears did not suit her so she became a cafeteria lady at Phillips Elementary School where she could feed kids. Kids loved her hugs and she made each feel special. Because she could make almost anything grow, she was a Hampton Master Gardener and tree steward, participating in home visits, Bay Days, and helping everyone who asked for advice. While working, she pursued a degree in criminology at Thomas Nelson Community College. She was also an expert belly dancer and performed locally and in Richmond. Through her sewing and crafting skills, she delighted audiences with the hand-made costumes that made her smooth moves sparkle.

Barbara might say that her happiest times were walking on Buckroe Beach or at Fort Monroe, caring for trees, and having a picnic with her family. She loved a good party and never missed events with the Daily Press Retirees, the Sears Retirees, and the Newport News High School reunion group.

She moved to Mennowood Retirement Living in 2017 where she welcomed other new residents, showing them the gardens, and escorting them to meals and events. At monthly memorial services, she always had something special and personal to say about each honoree. She kept the staff on their toes with the occasional prank but was forgiven by a hug or kiss on the head.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Joseph Gray Wilson. She is remembered by her daughters Cynthia Heide (John), Susan Wilson (Mary Hoferek), and Karen Richards (Douglas), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many beloved friends. Her half-brother, David Curtis Duxbury (Ruth) and sister-in-law Gloria Champine also survive her. A reception will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton. Memorial donations would be gratefully received by the Animal Aid Society ( https://www.animalaidsociety.org/ ) or the Mennowood Foundation ( https://mennowood.com/foundation/ ).