Obituary of Nancy Ann Barker

Nancy Ann Barker, 74, of St. Joseph, passed into eternal life surrounded by her loving family, on July 29, 2012. Nancy was born to the late Robert and Marjorie (Meeks) Johnson, in Chicago, Illinois on January 1, 1938. She grew up in Michigan and graduated from New Troy High School in 1956. She wed in 1960 and began a chapter in her life which brought her much joy - that of being a mother. She took great pride in raising her two sons. Nancy worked various office jobs and then began a 13 year career with the St. Joseph City Police Department as secretary for the Chief of Police. Always wanting to help, Nancy pursued a calling of mentoring young people and began working at Western Michigan Teen Challenge, and organization to help troubled teens. In 1990, she departed for Singapore on a one year mission assignment. Upon her return, she worked at the Berrien County Courthouse in probation and later, juvenile probate court. Upon retirement in 2004, she continued to work part time as switchboard operator until recently, when her health forced her to resign. She loved all her friends and coworkers at the Courthouse. Although Nancy was a dedicated worker, her passion was to be a beacon for the Lord. Nancy took every opportunity to tell others about God's love, grace and salvation. She was a devoted member of First Church of God. As such, she touched so very many lives in so many ways for God. Even with her own personal battles with cancer, she always tried to be the example of a Godly woman - Rejoice Always! She was a prayer warrior within the prayer ministry. Nancy was instrumental in starting the Women's Jail Ministry and her latest passion was singing in the choir. She saw God's beauty in everything, especially downtown, Lake Michigan and the Lighthouse piers. She would walk the area almost every day. Nancy is preceded by her parents, and her brother Norman Johnson. She will be deeply missed by her sons Travis (Lea Ann) Barker of Shiloh, IL, and Steve (Marites) Barker of Benton Harbor, her four grandchildren; Megan Barker of Bloomington, IL, Mallory Barker of St. Louis, MO, Brandon Barker of Shiloh, IL and Hayley Barker of Benton Harbor. She is survived by her two sisters Georgine (Bruce) Abrahams of Irvine, CA, and Janet (Felix) Wuchner of Orange, CA, and her sister-in-law, Dorothy Johnson of Tacoma, WA. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to either the First Church of God or the Susan Komen Foundation of Southwest Michigan. A Celebration of Nancy's Life will be held Thursday, August 2nd, 11:00 a.m., at the First Church of God Church, 2627 Niles Ave. St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the ceremony. In honor of Nancy's wishes and her wonderfully positive outlook on life, those attending her celebration are asked to wear brightly colored garments, if desired.