Barbara Elaine Paulson

Barbara E. Paulson, 87, of New Cumberland, W.V. passed away Monday, January 6, 2020 in the Weirton Medical Center. She was born Pansy Miller Bean on September 27, 1932 in Gastonia, NC, a daughter of the late Charles Conrad and Almaree Grace Bradley Bean. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Lee Paulson and son Mark Steven Ferguson. Barbara was a singer and bass player. As a child of 5 she sang on her uncles weekly radio show in N.C. as well as in her church gospel trio. In her professional career she performed under the names Barb Evans & Pansy Ferguson. She performed with and opened shows for some of the greats in country music like, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Jim Ed Brown, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. To talk with her of her experiences was to hear a veritable who’s who of legendary country stars. She performed in nightclubs and stage shows from Philadelphia, to New Jersey, upstate New York; Canada, Montana, Las Vegas, West Virginia and California. Now, her legacy continues, because she has passed her love of music down to all the generations of her family, many of which are also professional musicians. In her later years Barbara loved nothing more than going out for an evening to hear her family perform, whether it was country, bluegrass or jazz and even some heavy metal on occasion. Barbara also thoroughly enjoyed crafting, especially crocheting for her family, and painting & embroidery of her favorite Disney characters on sweatshirts. Barbara was proud of her Southern heritage, and was a very good southern style cook. She made delicious homemade biscuits, pinto beans & cornbread, and coconut cake among other things. Barbara loved playing with her little dog Jazzy Boo. She is survived by her daughters Donna (Skip Peck) Peklinsky of New Cumberland, WV; and Cynthia Losleben of Polson, MT; son James (Tomoko) Bissaillon of Bellvue, NE; sister Frances Adkins of Asheville, NC; brother Lloyd Bean (Karen) of Dallas, NC; grandchildren Nathan and Alexander Peklinsky, Cynarra Matt; Adam Ferguson and Emma and Cannon Bissaillon, and great grandchildren Ava Peklinsky and Shanoah and Avery Matt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. The family’s request for cremation has been honored. Respecting Barbara’s wishes, a memorial service will be celebrated in the Spring of 2020 in Gastonia, NC. Professional services were provided to the family with the guidance of Greco- Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304-748-3219.