Jean Barker
Published 12:00 am Sunday, July 27, 2008
Jean Barker died July 19, 2008 shortly after suffering a stroke at her new home in The Villages, Florida. She is survived by James Barker, her husband of 62 years and her sister, Patricia Ann Guerrin. Jean was born February 5, 1927 in Hollywood, California. She met her husband at a dance at the age of 14 and they were married five years later after Jim returned from Naval service during World War II. In 1947, the Bakers moved to Miami, Florida. For 20 years Jean had a riding school for girls where she conducted daily bible classes in addition to their riding lessons. Jean was an excellent rider. She and her horse, Silver Sage, won many trophies. In 1990, Jean and Jim moved to Selma and restored the antebellum mansion they named White Columns. This was their home for 18 years. A memorial service will be held at the New Covenant United Methodist Church at The Villages on Monday, July 28, at 10 am.