Carol A. Barker
Age 81, of Lansing, MI, passed away October 15, 2018. She was born March 5, 1937, in Lansing, to Edward and Margaret McKeone.
Carol graduated from St. Mary’s High School and attended Nazareth College. She was a longtime Lansing resident and a retired realtor. Carol was known for her common sense, humor, being fun loving, and a straight shooter. She loved the Lord, enjoyed her many friendships, and spending time at The Villages in Florida. She enjoyed decorating and gardening. She will be remembered for giving wisdom to many over the years.
Carol is survived by 4 children, Beth (Jeff) Jones, Rhonda (Tim) Rogers, Kelly (Bill) Albert, and Michelle (Craig) Snow; 14 grandchildren, Meghan (Brodie) Hock, Annie (Zack) Spangler, Luke (Kelsey) Jones, Eric (Alexa) Jones, Hannah (Joshua) Adams, Tiffany Rogers, Matthew Rogers, Erica (Eric) Giesow, Chelsea (Kees) Groenewegen, Morgan (Anders) Franzon, Billy (Lauren) Albert, Taylor (Brooke) Snow, Sam (Carina) Snow, and Charlie (Kelsey) Snow; 15 great-grandchildren, Eden, Sophia, Judah, Ella, Eli, Ezra, Kyren, Docket, Turner, Brody, Caden, Easton, Ava, Jack, Gunner, and was awaiting the arrival of 3 more great-grands; sister, Mary Lapka; and several nieces and nephews, Kristine, Bob, Bill, Andy, Colleen, Deb, Jean, Joe, Tom, and Jim.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jerry Shepard; second husband, Jerry Barker; 2 sisters, Sue (Joe) Schneider and Kay (John) Willaert; brother, Robert McKeone; brother-in-law, Leonard Lapka; and infant grandson, Daniel Albert.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Her family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice. Carol had a heart for single mothers and gospel ministries. If you would like to, please send a note of your donation to the family, in care of the funeral home, who will forward it to Carol’s family. www.EstesLeadley.com
10 Messages to “Carol A. Barker”
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beth jones
October 16, 2018 at 6:20 pmHello Family and Friends of Carol Barker!
We would love to hear from you and have a record of your visit. Please sign the guestbook and leave any comments you’d like.
We love you all and appreciate your kindness.
The Shepard Girls (Beth, Rhonda, Kelly and Michelle.)
Nancy Shepard Piekunka and Tom Piekunka
October 16, 2018 at 9:35 pmDear Family, Uncle Tom and Aunt Nancy send our Deepest Sympathy to you all. Your Mom and Grandmother was a dear person and I have fond memories of her . As I type the tears run down my face. It takes me back to many years ago when I was a young girl and your Mom and Grandmother had just married my brother Jerry Shepard. And before you know it I had 4 beautiful nieces. Carol could sure play the piano and I loved to hear her play. She also liked a good time. Was so fun to be around. Miles and time get in the way and life goes on. Grateful to be able to come to a few of the Weddings in the family and see you all. It was so nice I could talk to her just a week ago. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. May the Lord shine upon her and may she rest in peace. Love, Uncle Tom and Aunt Nancy
Rhonda
October 17, 2018 at 9:43 pmDear Auntie Nancy and Uncle Tom,
Thank you so much for your love and memories. We sure love hearing how she touched so many lives. Glad you were able to chat with her recently. She loved you both very much. We love you very much too.
Ronnie
Joyce Wiles
October 17, 2018 at 8:18 amOur sincere condolences to Carol’s family. It seems I can’t think about Carol without a smile creeping over my face from one of her humorous comments or quick witted responses. What a wonderful gift to always leave acquaintances with a light heart, even in her last days. I’m so glad Charlie and I got to know her. Peace and love to the family, Joyce & Charlie
Rena Hasseler
October 17, 2018 at 9:59 amDear family of Carol,
I am Rena Hasseler. We lived across from Carol’s apartment.
I need to post the following–It was such a blessing to see the framed words ‘O HAPPY DAY’ on your loved one’s shelf by her entrance door.
O Happy Day
O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
o Refrain:
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day:
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away.
2. O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him Who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move
3. It’s done: the great transaction’s done!
I am the Lord’s and He is mine;
He drew me and I followed on;
Charmed to confess the voice divine.
4. Now rest, my long-divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest;
Here have I found a nobler part;
Here heav’nly pleasures fill my breast.
5. High heav’n, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear,
Till in life’s latest hour I bow
And bless in death a bond so dear.
sara J Brundage
October 17, 2018 at 10:29 amAuntie Carol is a true icon to me. She has always been of the most fun loving, supportive, straight shooting fashionistas I know. I smile at the thought of her entering eternal paradise with all her family and friends, old and new. No doubt she’s leading the band in heaven, keeping all the geezers in line. Say hi to Grandpa Len, Aunt Reetz. We loved you like a 2nd Gramma. Sara and the Brundage boys. 🙂
Cathy Patterson
October 17, 2018 at 12:35 pmTo all you beautiful ladies:
My condolences to you and your family’s, I know it’s been many many years since I have seen you young ladies still all beautiful as ever! I remember your mothers beautiful smile and how proud she was if you all, Thoughts and prayers.
Cathy (Kuripla) Patterson
Andrea Hammack
October 17, 2018 at 7:20 pmBeth, Rhonda, Kelly, Michelle ~ Your mom left an incredible legacy in you girls. You were her world. I loved hanging at your house when we were young and then as teens. The atmosphere was loving, fun and free. I know you all will miss her terribly but imagine her exuberance when she saw Jesus!!! Love you all! Andi
Sam and Lori Savedes
October 18, 2018 at 7:14 pmOur condolences to you and your entire family. God Bless
Julie McNamara
October 19, 2018 at 6:18 pmMichelle, Rhonda, Kelley and Beth,
Your mother was such a special lady and an awesome friend. She was a great mentor and had the best sense of humor. We spent a lot of time together belly laughing! I did not know of her passing until it was too late to attend her memorial. I spoke to her about a month ago and she told me she was ready to go. She was truly a woman of faith and she is in heaven cracking jokes and imparting her wisdom. I will miss my friend, I loved her very much. Thinking of you all.
Love, Julie McNamara