Eleanor Wilbur

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Eleanor Jane Wilbur, age 86, of New Market, AL, formerly of Goodman, MO, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She entered this life on July 22, 1939, in Riverside, NJ, daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth (Taylor) Painter.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gloria Cossentine and husband, Jay, of New Market, AL; Dawn Smith and husband, Troy, of Derby, KS; and Janet Dodson and husband, Greg, of Monkey Island, OK. Survived by 5 grandchildren Troy Smith III, Betsy Cossentine, Scott (Mary Beth) Cossentine, Katie Dodson, and Jennifer Smith (Dylan King) and 6 great-grandchildren, Will, Alex, Henry, and Tori Cossentine, J'Alan Ross, and Jkel Raya. Eleanor also leaves behind her sister, Sharon Smith of Delanco, NJ, and three sisters-in-law, Trudy Painter, Bette Wilbur, and Donna Wilbur as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

The sixth of eight children, Eleanor's early life in Riverside was filled with the bustling energy of a large family. On June 24, 1960 she wed Edward Wilbur in Riverside NJ, and the family moved to Goodman MO in 1972, where they resided for 44 years before moving to Webb City, MO.

After the passing of Edward on February 26, 2017, Eleanor navigated life alone until 2020 when she made the decision to move to Alabama to live with her daughter Gloria. An avid reader, she found solace and adventure within the pages of countless books. Her passion for crossword puzzles was a testament to her sharp mind and love for a good challenge. Her memory will be treasured, her presence sorely missed, and her legacy forever celebrated by those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Nicholas Smith; two brothers, Larry and Harvey Painter; and four sisters, Ruth Smith, Florence Capri, Nancy Horner and Jane Scarano. 

Graveside services are 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Howard Cemetery in Goodman, Missouri, with Pastor Marilyn O’Brien officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel in Anderson. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either Alive Hospice Residence, 1629 Williams Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.