Mrs. Anne Holbrook Barker, age 102, passed away Monday, April 7, 2014. Mrs. Barker was born May 31, 1911 in the Abshers Community of Wilkes County to Dennis L. Holbrook and Carrie Kennedy Holbrook. She married James Marcus Barker on December 20, 1930 and in 2005 celebrated 75 years together. In 1956 Anne and Marcus relocated to Flint Michigan. She worked at Baker's Drug Company as a clerk for twenty years. Retiring in 1977 Anne and Marcus returned to Wilkes County where she spent the next several years as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved sewing, gardening, and being an active member of Oak Level Baptist Church, singing in the choir and being active in the ladies circle. In 2003, after Alzheimer's disease robbed her of the ability to care for herself, she made her home at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center, where she was much loved and lovingly cared for. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Marcus Barker; sons, John Dennis Barker and Walter Buford Barker; great-granddaughter, Jennifer Carter; sisters, Vena Barker, Lucy Deal, and Ava Cleary. Surviors include: daughter-in-law, Jean Weatherman Barker of Roaring River; brother-in-law, Kelly Cleary of Winston Salem; sisters-in-law, Faye ( Arlis ) Pettyjohn of Boonville, Nelda Barker ( Bobby) Bullins of Roaring River; grandchildren, Dennie ( Garry) Carter of Ronda, Eddie ( Ginger) Barker of Wilkesboro, Barry Barker of Ronda, James ( Patricia) Barker of Grand Haven, Michigan, Keith Barker of Roaring River and Nancy ( Gene ) Lyons of Grand Haven, Michigan; nine great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and special friend Ruby Barker. Funeral Services will be conducted Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Level Baptist Church with Rev. Matty Ponce-De-Leon and Rev. Elmer Barker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family request that memorials be made to Oak Level Baptist Church Building Fund c/o Teresa Stone Treasurer, 534 Big Bend Rd. Ronda, NC 28670 or to a charity of the donor's choice. A heart felt thank you to Hugh Chatham Nursing Center and the care you gave not only Anne but her family also, and to family and friends who were faithful to visit her after she could no longer communicate or acknowledge your presence- thank you!
