FANNIE MARTIN (SYLER) WILSON
Fannie Martin (Syler) Wilson, age 98, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Morningside Center in Chillicothe, Missouri.
Fannie was born on January 28, 1927, to Clarence and Pearl Syler (Twitchel) and was raised on a farm outside of Brunswick, Missouri. Those early years shaped her work ethic and devotion to family. She graduated from Brunswick High School and later moved to Kansas City, where she worked for a short time at a department store until returning home to help care for her baby brother, Bill—an early reflection of her lifelong commitment to family.
On December 21, 1946, she married Buford Lee Wilson. They moved to Linneus when Buford accepted a position with a telephone company. There, Fannie devoted her life to creating a warm and loving home and proudly raised their four children. Buford and Fannie enjoyed spending time with friends, whether playing cards, square dancing, or traveling. Buford preceded her in death on October 4, 2008.
Fannie was a woman of many talents and passions. She taught for a short time in a one-room schoolhouse and later served as a teacher’s aide at Linneus School for a few years. She was an accomplished seamstress who lovingly made many of her own clothing as well as many outfits for her children. She found great joy in quilting, carefully hand stitching pieces that reflected her patience, creativity, and love—many of which became cherished family keepsakes. She also enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid reader with a lifelong curiosity for learning.
She took great pride in each generation of her growing family. Christmas gatherings held a special place in her heart, as did the treasured times spent together during Linneus Old Settlers, where family gathered each summer.
A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Linneus, Fannie faithfully served her church by teaching Sunday School classes and helping with Vacation Bible School. She also gave many years of service to the Linneus Old Settlers celebrations, where she would help make the noodles and serve meals in the pavilion.
Fannie is survived by her children: Buford Lee Wilson, Jr. of Oak Grove, MO; Marlene Johnson (Dean) of Purdin, MO; Johnnie Wilson (Phyllis) of Linneus, MO; and Patty Spencer (Larry) of Belton, MO.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tricia Lee (Gary), Celeste Burks (Eric), Lee Johnson(Amy), Tonya Keith (Eric), Shawn Wilson (Angie), Tennille Banner (Rodney), Nick Wilson (Candace), Travis Boley (Steffany), and Danelle Gassen; 25 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a tremendous source of pride and joy in her life.
She is further survived by her siblings: Genola Fredricks, Delpha Slaughter, and Bill Syler.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Pearl Syler; her husband, Buford Lee Wilson; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Linneus First Baptist Church, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bob Kimmis and Pastor John Edwards officiating.
Memorials contributions to Elmwood Cemetery or Linneus First Baptist Church may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.
