Barbara Cosby

Barbara Jean (McMillen) Cosby, 91, of Willard, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025.  She was born December 18, 1933, in Springfield, Missouri 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. 

Barbara 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, always striving to honor Him in all that they did.

She had a servant’s heart and loved volunteering in her community for as long as her health allowed. She even was awarded the State Gift of Time Award in 2014. Barbara 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.

Barbara 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.

Barbara is survived by daughters, Cynthia Lynn Trapp and husband, Michael Paul; Cathy Jean Jiz and husband, Michael Preston; four grandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren, two great, great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Zelma McMillen; husband, Joe Cosby; and brother, Dixon Lee McMillen. 

Visitation will be noon until service time, Friday, October 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Willard, Missouri. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m., at the church, with burial to follow at Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, Missouri. 

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.