Murdered Woman 'Real Presence' in Her Church

Barbara Wilson was “a real presence” at the Mt. Fern Methodist Church, her pastor said.

The 77-year-old woman, whom , was a longtime member of the church, according to the Rev. Jack Copas.

“When Barbara was in church, you knew it,” Copas said. “She would sit in the front of the church and sing and pray. She was just a wonderful woman.”

Copas said that Wilson would, on most Sundays, get to church before he did.

"She was always waiting for me when I got to church," he said. "She would give me a hearty greeting, and tell me, ‘Get going. You have important work to do today.'"

While Copas hadn’t known Wilson very long, since he’s only been the pastor for two years, he said she was very popular among congregants.

“Everyone who knew Barbara loved her,” Copas said. “I know she is missed terribly.”

Wilson died on Feb. 6, when, according to an affidavit signed by Lt. Stephen Wilson of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, she was found in a nightgown, bound and with “obvious trauma to the head and face.”

Police arrested Cole of Mountainview Avenue last month, and charged him with murder, felony murder, robbery, burglary and weapons possession in connection with Wilson’s death. He'd already been charged in February with giving a false name to investigators.

Police say several items of Wilson's were found in Cole's home.