Obituary of Billie Jane Barker

Mother, grandmother and great grandmother Billie Jane Barker passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening October 25th, 2011 in Tacoma, WA. Billie Jane was born to William Marion and Cyntitha Catherine Alexander and grew up in Seymour, Missouri in Webster County, Finley Township along with her older sister Ruth and Brother Miles. Billie Jane married Howard William Barker in 1941 in Seymour, Mo. and during these years began her family of ten children whom she loved very much. A small town girl who traveled to many places as a military wife Billie enjoyed traveling and lived in many states over the course of her life. When a military relocation brought her to the Pacific Northwest she fell in love with the area and was as resident of Parkland since 1963. She enjoyed playing bingo and pool, she loved sewing, crafting, gardening, listening to music and was a true homemaker providing for her family. Billie was an avid lover of animals and had many pets over the years whom were her constant companions. Billie Jane is survived by Howard William “Pete” Barker; her 10 children – Linda Elam (Rex), Sue Docker (Alex), Joe Barker, Kathryn Summers (Gordon, deceased), Rodney Barker (Seana), David Barker, Elizabeth Hubler (Bob), Jeri Porhola (Stan, deceased), Richard Barker (Wendy) & Robert Barker and 11 Grandchildren Ted Porhola, Michelle Porhola, Tawnia Barker, Debra Dowdell, Jennifer Tatum, Angela Silva, Robert Holder, Rebecca Simpson, Jessie Barker, Leslie Summers and Al Guthrie Jr. as well as 15 great grandchildren, various nieces, nephews and cousins across the country. She will be missed by many and we were blessed to have had her in our lives for so many years. No services are being held at her request. Arrangement are being handled by Edwards Memorial Center in University Place, WA (www.edwardsmemorial.com). Please visit their website and share a memory with us.