Juanita Mae Bowman Barker

Published 10:00 am Thursday, May 19, 2011

Juanita Mae Bowman Barker, 93 1/2 stepped into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, with loved ones by her side. The Ironton native was born Oct. 5, 1917, to the late Ernest and Eva Bryant Bowman.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee Barker; a son David Alan Barker; eight brothers, Jesse Bowman, Lawson “Bub” Bowman, James W. Bowman, Ernest Bowman, Bobby Bowman, Ronnie Bowman and Lonnie Bowman; and three sister, Regina Lunsford, Betty Lou Hughes and Nadi Kelley.

She is survived by a sister Rheba Kizzee from Memphis, Tenn.; four sons and two daughters, Don and Debbie Barker of Ironton, Ernie and Rita Barker of Kitts Hill, Kenny and Genny Barker of Forestdale, Jimmy and Sherri Barker of Kitts Hill, Betty Barker Craddock of South Point and Eva and Mark Staton of Myrtle Beach, S.C. ; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and many “very special” nieces and nephews.

Juanita was the last living charter member of Community Missionary Baptist Church, Deering, which was founded by her grandfather Willard Bryant. She was a retired custodian of Dawson-Bryant School System. She was one of the “Rosie the Riveters, having worked in the defense plants in Detroit, Mich., during World War ll.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Community Missionary Baptist Church in Deering with her grandson the Rev. Rob W. Barker and Rev. David C. Saunders officiating. Burial will follow in Community Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6-9p.m. Friday at Tracy Brammer Funeral Home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Donations may be made to the Community Cemetery Fund: Community Missionary Baptist Church, 4049 State Route 243, Ironton, OH 45638. To offer condolences to the family, please visit, www.tracybrammerfh.com.