Barbara Jean Green

Barbara Jean Green, age 79, of Brimfield, IL passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 9, 1944, in Panther Creek, IL to Marshall and Dorothy (Ogden) Walters. She attended Peoria High School, graduating in 1962. Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Fowler of Brimfield, IL and Becky (Alan) Lee of Dunlap, IL and four grandchildren, Nick Fowler, Megan Fowler, Shawn Lee and Lauren Lee. She is also survived by her four siblings Nancy Venzon, Gary Walters, Becky Jordan, and Mike (Lyndsey) Walters and 7 nieces and nephews and 19 great nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, brother-in-law Gene Venzon Jr., nephew Gene Venzon III, great-niece Jennifer Miller, and great-nephew Gabriel Abatie. Barbara raised her daughters with their father, Raymond Green (still surviving of Chillicothe IL), with both providing a wonderful life and much love to them. She then began her working career in 1979 at RLI Insurance Company, working in a variety of clerical positions with her last position there being an Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Operations. She left RLI after 10 years to enter the entrepreneurial world as the franchisee owner/operator of three We Care Hair salons. After several years of owning the salons, she decided to sell them and re-enter the workforce in Customer Service at Maui Jim, eventually retiring from there in 2014. Barbara was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, reading a good book and watching a good movie. Her all-time favorite heartthrob was Elvis, she enjoyed collecting unusual pieces of art and was obsessed with Nate Berkus’ style. She had many friends she met throughout her life, both through work and personally, and she spoke of them often. One of those being her best childhood friend, Cokie, who passed away when they were young adults. Barbara kept her spirit alive in her heart and treasured their memories over all these years. She was very close to her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews and loved them dearly (and very much missed her Mom when she passed away). She loved spending time with her sisters and her dearest friends as life progressed. Her passion and greatest reward in life were her children and grandchildren. She was so proud of each and every one of them and loved them beyond words. One of her favorite responses to her grandchildren was “gadzooks”, which always made them laugh and will always be treasured. She will continue to be the center of her children’s and grandchildren’s hearts forever and will continue to live on through each of them! Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded and a private memorial service will be held. Gary Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brimfield Fire Department (206 E. Knoxville, Brimfield, IL 61517), or to the Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation (14329 Charthouse Circle, Naples, FL 34114 or at www.jonsbearhugfoundation.com). Online personal messages and condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Barbara Jean Green

December 9, 1944 - December 19, 2023