Julia Barker

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming, "Wow, what a ride!!!"
The bridge clubs of Tallmadge and Akron are down one member as Julia Ann Barker has played her last hand. She passed away at the age of "29" on Monday, April 11, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born January 19, 1940 in Parcoal, WV, the daughter of the late Claude and Iona Norton.
After she retired, her work load increased as she became heavily involved in golf and bowling leagues, garden club, the country studies club, and the condominium association. Julia loved to travel, especially to Hilton Head with her family, where at the age of 75 she learned to swim for the first time; she also traveled all over the world, Europe, the Caribbean, and Panama. But her greatest joy was being with her family especially her grandchildren and watching their sporting events.
Mrs. Barker was a member of the Tallmadge United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her sons, Steven R. (Jamie) Barker, and Gary L. (Michelle) Barker; her grandchildren, Jessica, Casey, Garrison, Lily, and Juliana; step-grandchildren, Drew, Joshua, and Zoie. Her siblings also survive, William (Merle) Alkire, Sandra Taylor, and Barbara Judy.
Other than her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Gary R. Barker, whom she married on October 3, 1964; her daughter, Tina Ann Barker; her brothers, Rudolph and Charles Alkire, and Richard Norton.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11 AM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron, where Rev. Bill Liming will celebrate Julia's life.
Family and friends may visit at the funeral home on Monday, April 18, 2016 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.
Emailed condolences may be sent to www.newcomerakron.com