Obituary of Gwen Barker

Gwendolyn G. Barker 01-04-1947 to 08-11-2021 Gwendolyn “Gwen” Greathouse Barker was born on Saturday, January 4, 1947, in Jacksonville, FL to parents, Elvin Ray and Lydia Greathouse. Loyal to a fault, many knew her as a tough, no-nonsense individual, who was a dedicated, hard-worker and steadfast friend. Graduating from Lee High School in 1964, she worked in computer technology until she had her first child, Lara. Just before Lara started kindergarten, Gwen decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Until 1989, her primary job was being a mom to Lara and Chris. When she rejoined the workforce in 1990, she decided to go a different route and worked the FOH (Front of House) in multiple service industry roles (bartending, serving and management). She thrived in this field and was employed in this industry until she retired in 2012. While her career was a big part of her life, her hobbies included making jewelry and cross-stitching beautiful pillows and wall hangings. Gwen is preceded in death by her mother, Lydia, and her father, Elvin Ray. She is survived by her daughter, Lara, and son, Christopher (Denise); brother, James (Donna), nephews Kyle (Samantha) and Jason and sister Glenda (Leslie); nieces, Leah (Darrell), Lynette and Larissa. After learning of the damages that nicotine and smoking caused, Gwen quit smoking cold turkey in 2012. She then became an advocate of the stop smoking movement and encouraged anyone she knew who smoked to quit immediately. Gwen was a true patriot and a devoted Christian, her faith in God remaining strong until the day she was called home to the Lord on August 11, 2021.