Barbara D. Followell, 87, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois.

She was born July 27, 1938, in Herrin to Lee and Beulah (Rosson) Burks. On August 30, 1955, she married the love of her life, James "Jim" Followell, and together they shared 65 years of devoted marriage filled with love and companionship. Barbara and Jim especially cherished their Saturday nights spent dancing at the Marion Eagles, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He preceded her in death in May 2, 2020.

Barbara and Jim were blessed with two children, Bruce and Sheila. She was a dedicated homemaker and a loving wife and mother who found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She treasured time spent at family gatherings, especially holiday celebrations at her niece Debbie Erwin's home, and took great pride in attending the dance recitals of her great-great-niece, Vivian Snyder.

Barbara shared a special bond with her sister, Phyllis Gipson, who was also her best friend. For over 50 years, the two enjoyed countless shopping trips, lunches, and time spent together.

She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Durham (John Gordon) of Herrin, Illinois; her sister, Phyllis Gipson of West Frankfort, Illinois; her sister,Linda (Richard) Jarvis of Genoa, Illinois; her sister-in-law Helen (Richard) Roland of Delaware; her brothers-in-law, Franklin Followell of Mulkeytown, Illinois, and Willard (Ann) Followell of Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-neieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Beulah Burks; her beloved husband, Jim; her son, Bruce; and her siblings, Roy Burks, Kathleen Ridderhoff, Imogene "Gene"Dailey, Junior Burks, and Harold Burks.

Graveside services will be held on June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Herrin Cemetery. Rev. Fred Russell will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to McCluskie Funeral Home. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the graveside.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House and will be accepted at the graveside or may be mailed to the funeral home/ 501 South 12/ Herrin, IL 62948.

For more information please visit www.mccluskiefh.com or call (618) 942-2020.