Barbara F. (Wallace) Elliott

          On July 18, 2020 early in the morning about sunrise, the great Father of all grace and glory whispered the name of his faithful child Barbara Elliott, signaling the angels of heaven to beat the kettledrums in preparation for the great crescendo of crashing symbols as the gates of heaven opened welcoming Barbara into her Father’s eternal home. She believed John 3:16 with all her heart and faithfully followed the path of victory, Luke 9:23 and Galatians 2:20. Her wonderful physical beauty enhanced by God’s spiritual gifts infused her personality with humility, wisdom, integrity, and joy.

         Barbara was born January 20, 1938 to Virgil and Celia (Brewer) Wallace in Wabash County Illinois. In the early morning of her life she graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1955 and later attended classes at a university and a theological seminary. Her spiritual insight, grounded in a keen mind, a tender heart, and a determined will equipped her for an exciting and meaningful journey through life.

          Threads working together in the loom of destiny united Barbara and Elbert Elliott in marriage January 22, 1956 at Mt. Carmel. They were both only eighteen years of age. Elbert got the best deal. God knew he could not make it on his own and needed her wind under his wings. In the early years of their marriage they worked diligently together to earn four degrees from excellent schools: a B.S., a M.Div., and from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, a M.S., and a Ph.D. in Communications.

          For over fifty years they invested their lives in a calling from God Almighty to proclaim the Good News, help people, and produce his ministry in churches and schools including First Baptist in Carbondale and for twenty Christmases the most wonderful people in all the world at First Baptist Mattoon, whom they loved far more than spoken or written words can tell. They helped the church start broadcasting its worship service every Sunday morning for one hour over a major TV network with the possibility of reaching over a million people.

          The sunlight of her love touched those surviving her: a sister, Rose Mary Hocking; husband, Elbert; brother-in-law David Elliott; two daughters, Debbie Keyes (Steve), Tami McMillan (Dennon), one son Dave Elliott (Krissie); eight grandchildren: Melissa Meyer (Brian), Rachelle Walter (Kevin), Marcie Larson (Joe), Karmen Keyes (Bethany), Dennon McMillan II (Melissa), Megan Tidmore (Mark), Josh Elliott (Myra), Emily Santiago (C. J.); eleven great grandchildren: the Larson’s; Clair, Charlotte, Anna, and Windy; the McMillan’s; Dennon III, and Kade; the Tidmore’s, Luke, Macana, Mariah; the Walter’s; Eve; the Keyes; Emily; one nephew, Tim Hocking (Theresa), two nieces, Janet Hortin (Kent), Linda Schweickart (Mark). Surviving also is a wonderful adopted family; Scott and Catrina Shepard, Steve Selby, and Jonathon and Misty Pritchett. And also, special friends; Tom and Gayle Rodgers, Harold and Marilyn Hunter, Braxton Hunter, Sheryle Knight, Brenda Martin, Jeff Anthony, Michelle Noble and all the friends at Trinity Seminary. Also, wonderful friends; Chris Thomas, Nat Evans and the people at the Art Hub.

          In the sunset of her years God and fine friends helped her navigate the narrow passage between life and death that brought her to her Father’s house. Amen.

          A special thanks to Dr. Anthony Stephens and staff at OHA, Dr. Karl Sash and Heritage Hospice for their compassionate care, especially the best of the best, our nurses Amy and Laura.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Pastor Scott Shepherd officiating. A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit Boone Funeral Home’s Facebook page and click on the link provided. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Mt. Carmel, IL, at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2020.  

Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions May be Made to:  Chemo Buddies OHA at 3699 Epworth Road, Newburgh, In 47630; Heritage Hospice at 1202 W. Buena Vista, Suite 107, Evansville, IN 47710; First Baptist Church at 1804 South 9th St. Mattoon, IL 61938.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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