Billie Barker

Billie Barker, 92, of Winnie, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. She was born September 26, 1930, in Buna, to Herma Wright Crockett and William Purvis Crockett.

After graduating high school Billie met and married the love of her life, Aubrey A. Barker, Sr. on September 25, 1950. Together, the two made their first home in Groves, Texas where they welcomed their three sons. Billie was a gracious and loving homemaker, while also pursuing her college degree. In 1960, the family moved to Hamshire, TX, where they continued to raise their family. Billie’s faith and commitment to her church was always known and something she instilled in every part of her family tree.

Billie, along with Aubrey, had a life mission of giving back to others; whether the church, their children, grandchildren, or just anyone in need. Though they lived a modest life, they invested in each of their children and grandchildren by way of time, love, and ultimately through education. They believed making memories were more valuable than anything you could ever purchase, and they spent many, many hours traveling to ensure they were always present for every child and grandchild’s event; no matter the distance they were always present. They took their grandchildren on countless summer vacations, spent nearly every Sunday afternoon serving lunch for the family gathering, which was filled with – ‘okay food’ and lots of games and fun outdoor activities. Billie admitted that she loved teaching, and she finished college and pursued a teaching career for many reasons, but her priority was to be able to put that salary aside for her grandchildren. And that she did. Her love, passion, and commitment to her family lives on through each of her grandchildren, as none of them would be who they are for many reasons, one being she helped fund each of their college educations. This is just one of many examples of the type of person Billie was.

Billie was strong willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and brave. She was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of her life experiences, which she shared with her family regularly. She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family. She truly loved each of them- and if you knew her, you knew it. When her time came, she carried herself with dignity, strength, and full of love. She will be missed dearly.

Survivors include her sons, Aubrey Alfred Barker, Jr. and wife, Debbie; Guy Purvis Barker and wife, Becky; and Russell Barker and wife, Charlene; grandchildren, Tiffany Coffman and husband, Jerrod; Keisha Smith and husband, Chris; Guy Jason Barker and wife, Kimberly; Amy Barker and husband, Billy Pattarozzi; Candice Austin and husband, Kris; and Russell Barker II; and great-grandchildren, Jace Coffman; Jaidyn Coffman; Cade Smith; Kamryn Smith; Aaron Barker; and Taya Manzo.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Aubrey Barker; and sister, Pat Whittaker.

A gathering of Mrs. Barker’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 19, 2023, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Her funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. Her interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Barker’s honor may be made to First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire, Texas 77622.