Barbara J. Wilhite

Barbara Jeane Wilhite, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away at HSHS Holy Family Hospital, Greenville, surrounded by her loving family, on June 21, 2026, at the age of 88.

Barbara was born on August 24, 1937, in Heber Springs, Arkansas, the daughter of James Alfred and Jannie Catherine (Link) Hines. She married Walter Leon Wilhite in Florence, Mississippi, on July 3, 1954, and they were happily married for over 69 years.

Family was very important to Barbara. She loved all her children, but her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was an avid quilter, and it consumed most of her time. She made sure every family member had at least one quilt, if not several, and each newborn received a hand quilted tree blanket for diaper changes and naps at preschool.

She was a member of the Sorento Presbyterian Church, the Eastern Star and was a Bond County School District bus driver for over 30 years. The kids on her bus route named her ‘Red’ and ‘Killer’ and have been known to reference her as such to present day.

Preceding her in death are her husband, her parents, and siblings, Thelma Dawson, Joseph Alan Hines, and James Alfred Hines, Jr.

Surviving Barbara are her children, Sandra (Daniel) Kuhn of Pocahontas, Illinois, James Leon (Shelly) Wilhite of Sorento, Illinois, Michael (Jane) Wilhite of Greenville, Illinois, honorary son, David (Deb) Massena of Sorento, Illinois; grandchildren, Kelly, Dennis, Nathan, Annie, Angie, Amy, Lorelei, Michael, Patricia, Nicole, James, Jeffrey; 35 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends.

Visitation: 10:00 – 11:00 am, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Assalley Funeral Home, 118 E. College Avenue, Greenville, IL 62246.

Funeral: 11:00 am, following the visitation.

Burial: Sunnyside Cemetery, rural Sorento, following the funeral service.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given at the visitation or funeral or mailed to: Sunnyside Cemetery Association, PO Box 267, Sorento, IL 62086 and/or the Bond County Shrine Club, PO Box 140, Pocahontas, IL 62275.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.