Betty Barker

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Betty Ann Meredith Barker, age 91, died peacefully in her sleep on December 12, 2017, at her home.

Betty was born in Joplin, Missouri, on April 21, 1926, to the union of the late Carey and Corinne (Bailey) Meredith. She was raised in Joplin and was a 1944 graduate of Joplin High School, where she was a drum majorette. Betty was also a talented piano accompanist. She worked in concessions in her earlier years at the Fox Theater and later worked as an elementary teacher after graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1963 with a BS in Education. Betty taught third and fourth grade students in the same classroom at the former Oakland Elementary School in Joplin. She was very involved in her church and her community. Betty was a 60 year member of PEO, a deacon at the first Presbyterian Church of Joplin, and she was one of the first that formed “The Closet”—a clothing collection through her church for those in need. Betty will be remembered as a strong and motivated woman who had a never-ending love for her family.

On July 7, 1966, Betty was united in marriage to Charles Barker. He preceded her in death in November 1999.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Carol Muennig; and a brother, William Meredith.

Survivors include three daughters, Janet Davis and husband, Gary, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Laura Vinyard and husband, Tim, of Joplin, Missouri, and Sally Purvis of the State of Florida; six grandchildren, Carey Davis, Beth Hall, Cebelle Scott, Katy Spetter, David Purvis and Steve Purvis; eight great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Betty are 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church, Joplin, with Rev. Dr. John Nipper officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the PEO Education Fund through Cottey College, Nevada, in care of the mortuary. Online condolences may be sent through our website www.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.