Jeannie Wise Barker, age 71, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 4, 2024, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Jeannie was born in Paducah on June 20, 1952, to the late Ruby G. Wise of Paducah and the late Virgil V. Wise of Loxahatchee, Florida. Jeannie lived a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering faith, touching the hearts of everyone she met.
Jeannie graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1970, where she was a member of the Track Team, Choralaires, Student Council, Co-Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Team, Basketball Queen Attendant, Nu Phi Mu Sorority Member, Delta Phi Kappa Fraternity Sweetheart and Voted Best Dressed. During high school, she worked at Driver’s Department Store before joining Rosenfield’s Ladies Store. She played a key role in opening the Rosenfield’s Store in Paducah and later became the Manager and Buyer for the Rosenfield’s Store in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Upon graduation, she pursued her passion for design at Dallas Fashion Merchandising College, including a transformative semester abroad in Paris. While attending DFMC, she worked at Titches Department Store and was invited to join their buying program. She also worked part-time at the Dallas Apparel Mart before graduating and becoming a Buyer and Manager for several clothing stores. During her time in Dallas, she also served as an Account Executive and Model for Hawaiian Tropic Suntan Company.
Jeannie moved back to Paducah in 1976 and became the Buyer and Manager of Wise’s House of Fine Furniture Co., which was owned and operated by her mother, Ruby G. Wise. It was during this time she met and married the love of her life, Ed Barker, on August 15, 1982. Jeannie’s marriage to Ed marked the beginning of a beautiful family journey. She lovingly embraced her role as a mother to Eddy and Ashley, treating them as her own from the start. Over time, their family grew with the additions of Natalie and William, creating a close and united family bond that brought joy and fulfillment to all their lives.
Upon the closure of Wise’s House of Fine Furniture Co. in 1992, she dedicated her life to her family as a stay-at-home mother. Later, she founded Barker Interiors, where she helped many create beautiful and welcoming homes. Her eye for design and attention to detail were matched only by her dedication to her clients, whom she treated like family.
Growing up, Jeannie embarked on numerous adventures with her mother, Ruby Wise, and her brothers, Sam and Louis Wise. Their travels took them to Israel, Spain, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Hawaii and Austria, where they created cherished memories and stories that Jeannie loved to share.
She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Paducah and expressed her faith through her care and compassion for others. She was also a member of the Charity League of Paducah.
Jeannie’s battle with cancer was marked not only by her resilience, but also by the unrelenting love and support of her cherished family and extended loved ones. Their collective care brought solace and strength during her most challenging moments.
Jeannie was a deeply compassionate person, always thinking of others and putting their needs before her own. She was known for her generous spirit and her ability to make everyone feel loved and valued. Even in her final moments, Jeannie’s thoughts were of others, loving on and reassuring those around her. Her faith gave her strength, especially during her illness. And, her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Mrs. Barker is survived by her husband of forty-one years, William Edward Barker; her daughters, Natalie Wise Garber (Derek) of Paducah and Ashley Barker Matthews of Franklin, Tennessee; her sons, William Kevin Barker (Alexis) of Paducah and Stewart Edward Barker (Stephanie) of Lucas, Texas; her brothers, Louis Wise (Christine) of Oak Hill, Virginia and Sam Wise (Ellen) of Paducah; her sisters-in-law Nancy Neel of Wasilla, Alaska and Susan Griggs (Bill) of Paducah; her grandchildren, Hudson Garber, Anna Brooklyn Garber, Liam Barker, Logan Barker, Dalton Barker, Gunnar Matthews, and Elle Matthews. Her family was the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Vinton Wise and Ruby Gertrude Locke Wise; her parents-in-law, Wallace Barker and Martha Barker, and her brother-in-law, David Neel.
Jeannie also leaves behind many friends who will deeply miss her, including her closest friends Barbara Hinkle, Denise Gilbert, Laurel Sims, Kim Carr, Carol VanderBoegh, Kelly Azar, Sharon Ely, Jackie Smith, Stacy Johnson, and Anita Pinkston.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. William Skinner and his Nurse Jennifer Strayhorn, Dr. Polly LeBuhn, Dr. Andrew Stricklin, Dr. Keith Kelly, Dr. Austin Ward, Dr. Scott McElroy, and all the incredible doctors and nurses who helped Jeannie fight courageously. Their care and dedication provided immense comfort for Jeannie and her family throughout her battle.
A Celebration of Jeannie’s Life is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 14, 2024 at First Baptist Church Paducah with Pastor Brian Arnold officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 14, 2024 at First Baptist Church Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church Paducah, 2890 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001.
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