Obituary
Verna June Barker, 91, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully March 22, 2024, after a long and difficult battle with Alzheimer’s.
Verna was born in 1932 in Williamson, West Virginia, daughter of the late Charles and Lydia Yates Vandyke. She was a resident of Ohio for 87 years, a homemaker and later in life became a Longaberger Home Consultant and Branch Leader.
Verna was married to James Barker who preceded her in death in 2010. In addition to her parents and husband, Verna was preceded in death by her beloved sisters; Ruby Fisher and Esteen Fisher, and brothers; Edward, Ralph and Homer Vandyke.
Verna is survived and greatly missed by her two daughters: Paula (Karl) Vandegriff and Marrijane (Rick) Jones. The light of her life were her five grandchildren; Sarah Vandegriff, Anna (Philip) Burkett, Micah Jones, Jordan Jones and Colin Jones. Forever cherished and remembered by her great-grandchildren; Jordan (Montana) Richards, Vance Starkey, Levi Burkett, Carter Burkett, and great-great-grandsons; Wrangler and Sawyer Richards.
Noted for “magazine worthy” apple pies, homemade noodles, and cinnamon rolls, she was also an amazing and loving mom, aunt, and “moo moo”. Verna loved to travel and could pack in an instant. Her most favorite trips were to the Holy Land, Hawaii, and Alaska. The simple pleasures in life brought great joy to Verna. Her beautiful smile and pleasant personality were contagious to everyone she met. She spent the last four and a half years enjoying life in sunny Florida and traveling with her family.
At Verna’s request no funeral services will be held. A private family gathering will be held later this year. We invite you to donate to the Dementia Support Ministry of McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966, with a note designating the donation to the “Dementia Ministry” in memory of Verna Barker.
There are no words that can express to our friends, neighbors, and family how grateful and blessed we are for their support during her illness. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Hope Hospice Healthcare for their care and love shown to our mother.
Leave a reply