Barbara Jean (McMillen) Cosby

Barbara Jean (McMillen) Cosby, 91, of Willard passed away on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. She was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Springfield, to Clyde and Zelma (Garner) McMillen. On June 30, 1950, Barbara and Joe Lee Cosby were united in marriage and shared over 60 years together, before Joe’s passing in 2011.
She was baptized as a young girl and remained a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Willard, where she also married the love of her life, Joe. Together, they built their home and family with God at the center.
She had a servant’s heart and loved volunteering in her community for as long as her health allowed. She was even awarded the State Gift of Time Award in 2014. She served as an ombudsman for residents at Willard Care Center, taught Sunday school, led Brownies and Girl Scouts and helped establish the Alzheimer’s Support Group in Willard.
She was never one to sit idle. Her first job was as a bookkeeper with McMillen Order Buying Company. After retirement, she enjoyed working as a tour guide at Fantastic Caverns, serving at the Willard Post Office and later as a TSA officer at the airport. Whatever the role, she was happiest when she was busy and lending a helping hand to those around her.
She is survived by daughters, Cynthia Lynn Trapp and husband Michael Paul and Cathy Jean Jiz and husband Michael Preston; four grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Cosby; and brother, Dixon Lee McMillen.
Visitation will be noon until service time, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Willard. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m., at the church, with burial to follow at Greene Lawn Cemetery in Walnut Grove.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Bridge of Peace, Alzheimer Support Group in Willard or Willard PALS and may be left with the funeral home or mailed to Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, PO BOX 217, Ash Grove, MO 65604.