Barbara Jean Schulz of Kinderhook, IL has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Barbara held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Belief, when lived, becomes a kind of inheritance.
Barbara Jean Perkins Schulz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter, Robin, on May 3, 2026, at the age of 79.
Barbara was born on May 31, 1946, in Glendale, Arizona, to Carl and Sylvia Perkins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carlene.
Barbara's love story began at just 14 years old while serving tables at her mother's restaurant in Hull, Illinois, where she met the love of her life, Jackie Eldon "Jack" Schulz. The two were married on April 5, 1964, just before Barbara turned 18, beginning a marriage that spanned 62 years.
Barbara was a devoted pastor's wife for many years and a woman of deep Christian faith. She loved the Lord and joyfully used her gifts in His service, especially through singing solos and leading worship in church. She taught her children about Jesus through her words and actions. Her warm spirit, servant's heart, and steadfast faith left a lasting mark on countless lives.
She was known by family and friends as a hardworking and gifted woman who handled life's details with excellence. Throughout her career, Barbara faithfully served in secretarial and administrative roles at Hull Implement, Mission Hill Christian Academy, West Pike Christian Academy, and Bethel Baptist Association. She later served as Financial Aid Director at Hannibal-LaGrange University and also worked in the Financial Aid Office at John Wood Community College. One of her favorite jobs was helping customers at "The Medicine Man Corner" in Thomasville, Georgia.
Barbara found her greatest earthly happiness in her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought so much joy to her life. She loved gathering her family around the table, where everyone knew there was always room for one more. Barbara was famous for her fried chicken and strawberry pie and had a remarkable gift for preparing amazing meals in record time. Hospitality was not simply something she practiced-it was who she was.
Barbara will be remembered for always having a smile, a warm hug, and words of practical encouragement. Her favorite sayings, "Onward and upward" and "Whatever works," reflected both her optimistic spirit and gracious approach to life.
She is survived by her sisters, Louise and Joan; her loving husband, Jackie Eldon Schulz; her children, Duane Schulz (Leslie), Tresa Spencer (Dan), Robin Johnson (Mike), Troy Schulz (Michele), and special nephew Donnie Epley (Kim); 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
Barbara's legacy is one of faith, family, hospitality, hard work, and unwavering love. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the confidence that she is now in the presence of her Savior.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Dr. Dan Spencer will officiate. Burial will follow at Kinderhook Cemetery in Kinderhook, IL.
Friends and family are invited to Barbara's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Pallbearers will be Ethan Schulz, JD Schulz, Ty Schulz, Jeremiah Spencer, Jacob Spencer, Brandon Schulz and Colby Schulz.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Johnson, Donnie Epley, Duane Schulz, Troy Schulz and Mike Hagene.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice or First Baptist Church Plainville.
