Barry Todd Wilburn by Jerry Madison Harrison

To My Son, Barry

Barry,

Sixty-two years ago, you came into my life and changed it forever. From the time you were a little boy, you were special. You were popular, yet you never ran with the wrong crowd. You kept your head in your books and your eyes on your future. Wherever you went, your presence brightened the room. You saw the best in everyone you met, and that beautiful smile of yours could light up any space. Everyone who met you loved you because you were kind and loving, inside and out.

You followed your father, Jesse, your uncle Eric, your brother Kelvin, and your cousin Arlen into the world of sports and into the Brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. What a powerful combination of athletics, scholarship, and character. You were truly a scholar and a man of integrity. Your ability to perform at the highest levels in sports was remarkable, but what made me even prouder were your humanitarian efforts off the field. Your father and I always made sure you kept your feet on the ground and maintained a healthy sense of humor. You did just that. Your passing has reminded me how much you loved being around your friends and how deeply they loved you. They did not forget you, Barry. I only wish you could have witnessed the overwhelming support from the Memphis community. They loved you while you were here, and they continue to love you even now. You respected everyone you came to know. You never criticized or ridiculed anyone. You had wonderful friends, Charlie Powell, David Blackmon, Eric Truitt, your teammates, and your brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. You loved them all so much. And Bae-Bae, you were Barry’s mentor, friend, and confidant. You and your wife were such positive influences in his life, and I thank you for being such a blessing to my son.

Oh! And when you get to Heaven, be sure to tell the angels about the Mighty Melrose Golden Wildcats how that great school has produced professional athletes, female Olympic gold medalists, ministers, scholars, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and so much more. Tell them that Melrose is a place where athletes thrive. Tell them about the accolades, and that you came from one of the most athletic families in Memphis, Tennessee. Tell them about your brother Kelvin’s state basketball championship. Tell them about your father being a two-time Hall of Fame football player… although I am sure your father, Jesse, has already told them all about that.

Watching you reach the biggest stage and become a Super Bowl Champion made me proud beyond words. But what meant even more was the man you became a loving father, devoted to Dominique and Jordan, carrying your family with strength, dignity, and humility. That is the legacy that truly matters, and that is what will be remembered.

I love you, Barry Todd Wilburn. My son, I celebrate you.

Love Always, Mom

To Our Daddy

Daddy,

There are no words big enough to explain what you mean to us. To the world, you were a champion, a leader, and an athlete who made history but to us, you were simply Dad: our protector, our teacher, our biggest supporter, and our safe place. We are so proud of everything you accomplished, but what we cherish most are the quiet moments your advice, your laughter, and your hugs. You taught us strength without having to say much. You showed us what dedication, discipline, and unconditional love look like in real life. Every lesson you gave us about faith, perseverance, and standing tall will remain with us forever. We carry your name with pride, and we promise to live in a way that honors the legacy you built both on and off the field. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful that God chose you to be our father. We will always be your girls, and we will love you for the rest of our lives.

Rest peacefully, Daddy. Love always Daddy, Your Daughters, Dominique and Jordan

Barry,

To My Brother:

You were a Super Bowl Champion to the world, but to me, you were my little brother, my best friend, and one of the greatest blessings in my life. Our time together was far too short. The milestones set by you, Bobby Smith, Willie Dawson, James Stewart, Eric Wilburn, Jesse Wilburn are still used as the standard by which excellence is measured today. What you all accomplished continues to inspire and open doors for others.

Losing you leaves a space in my heart that can never be filled. Yet I thank God for every laugh, every lesson, and every memory we shared as brothers. Those moments will stay with me forever. Rest easy, Barry. Your legacy lives on in all of us.

Love always, Kelvin

BarryLife’s Reflections

Wilburn, age 61, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away leaving behind a legacy of excellence, strength, and love. Born on December 9, 1963, to Jessie and Margaret Wilburn, Barry was the second-born son in a close-knit family that shaped his character and competitive spirit

Barry was a proud alumnus of Melrose High School Class of 1981. It was there that his athletic talent first began turning heads and his discipline on and off the field started to define him. As a standout studentathlete, Barry represented Melrose with pride, laying the groundwork for the success that would follow at the collegiate and professional levels.

Raised in Memphis’ historic Orange Mound community, Barry never forgot where he came from. Orange Mound shaped his resilience, his grit, and his deep sense of loyalty to family and community. He carried those roots with him throughout his life from neighborhood fields to championship stadiums always representing Memphis with honor.

Barry’s foundation for excellence was strengthened during his time at the University of Mississippi, where he proudly played for the Ole Miss Rebels football team. As a standout defensive back, Barry developed the discipline, leadership, and competitive drive that would carry him to the professional level. His time at Ole Miss was not only pivotal for his athletic career but also for the lifelong relationships and personal growth that shaped the man he became.

While at Ole Miss, Barry was also a charter member of the Lambda Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated. His commitment to achievement, service, and brotherhood reflected the core values of the fraternity. Barry held his fraternity dear to his heart and remained connected to his brothers throughout his life, embodying the principles of leadership, integrity, and community uplift.

Barry’s collegiate and fraternal legacy stands as a testament to his dedication not only to excellence in sports, but to scholarship, service, and lifelong brotherhood.

Barry rose to national prominence as a standout NFL cornerback. He achieved the pinnacle of professional football as a champion in Super Bowl XXII with the Washington Redskins. His performance on the game’s biggest stage remains memorable; highlighted by two critical interceptions that helped secure victory. Known for his speed, discipline, and football intelligence, Barry earned respect across the league and left an enduring mark on the sport.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Barry was most proud of being a father. He leaves behind his beautiful twin daughters, Jordan and Dominique Wilburn, who were the center of his world. He is also survived by his loving mother, Margaret Wilburn; his older brother, Kelvin Wilburn; his Aunt Jewel Wilburn; his first cousin Arlen (Vernita) Wilburn and their children Braylen, Jayden, Gabrielle, and Justin Wilburn. He also leaves behind cousins Karen Nesbit, DeWayne Nesbit, Adrienne Nesbit, Karmen Boone, Karter Boone, Jaden Boone, Kiari Washington, and Giovanni Washington.

Barry was preceded in death by his father, Jessie Wilburn Jr., and his uncles James and Eric Wilburn. While many will remember him for his championship ring and athletic excellence, those closest to him will remember his quiet strength, determination, loyalty to family, and deep Memphis roots. His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not only by victories on the field, but by the love and legacy we leave behind.

Celebration of Life

Thursday, February 28, 2026 11:00 A.M.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

2634 Carnes Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Reverend Michael King

Processional...................................................................The Family of Mr. Barry Todd Wilburn

Musical Selection.................................Mr. Darius Perkins & Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Choir

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament....................................................................Reverend Janice Hansbrough

New Testament............................................................................Reverend Nanci Gipson

Words of Comfort....................................................................Reverend Anthony D. Henderson

Beulah Baptist Church

Acknowledgements.....................................................................................Mrs. Vernita Wilburn

Musical Selection...........................................................................Ms. Melvia “Chick” Rodgers

Expressions of Love: (Respectfully, Two Minutes Please)

Charlie Powell & David Blackman - Friends/Classmates/Teammates

Eric Truitt - Friend/Classmate (Ole Miss)

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Charter Member Lamda Pi Chapter

Musical Selection...........................................................................Ms. Melvia “Chick” Rodgers

Eulogy......................................................................................................Dr. Harvey B. Jackson

Resolution.......................................................................................Ms. LaTrina Macon Norman Melrose High School Class of 1981

Salute to Mr. Barry Todd Wilburn ~ Milrose High School Class of 1981

Expression of Love

Recessional

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23

First, we acknowledge God, thanking and praising Him for the 62 years He graciously granted to Barry’s mother, Margaret; his brother, Kelvin; his beloved daughters, Dominique and Jordan; and Aunt Jewel. The Wilburn family sincerely thanks each of you for your presence today. Your prayers, calls, visits, cards, and countless acts of kindness have provided strength, comfort, and support as we grieve our loss and honor Barrv’s life.

We extend special appreciation to the Washington Redskins/Commanders Organization; the Lambda Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; the Memphis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and the Melrose High School Class of 1981.

A heartfelt and special thank you to April Hubbard, Celia Tisby, Beverly Woods, Rochelle Stevenson, Apostle Beatricai Davis, Lisa Waddell, and San Gray for your unwavering love and support.

To each of you, we are forever grateful. To God Be the Glory. The Family of Barry Todd Wilburn