Joanna Lou Barker

In memory of Joanna Lou Barker, we are celebrating her life. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Dec 4, 2025 at Gum Springs Cemetery, 2585 Gum Springs Rd, Longview, TX. The service will be presided by our brother James (Jimmy) H. Barker Jr.

Joanna was born on January 25, 1960 in Longview to James H Barker, Sr and Sally M McDonald Barker. She came home to 10th St in Longview, then to Wells St in Longview and then to the newly built and last homeplace on Country Club Rd in Longview.

She attended Hallsville ISD for all of grade school. She graduated high school in 1978, where she played volleyball and was in theatre. Then, off to college she went. First was Kilgore College, where she was in theatre and majored in English. Next was East Texas State University, where she earned her Bachelors degree in English.

Joanna began her work life as a dispatcher at Mobley Co. in Kilgore, and then at Mobley Co in Longview. Her most important and meaningful employment was with Eastman Kodak (she was proud to work where our Daddy worked). She was a Senior Lab Analyst in the Polyethylene department.

Joanna enjoyed her freedom, living on her own. She was very independent and adventurous when she had time. She had a generous heart and enjoyed making others happy. Among her many admirable attributes, she was very funny (always the life of the party) and was considered the fun aunt. She was incredibly smart and very witty and she knew just how to use it with perfect precision!

On November 23, 2025, in the early morning, after a lengthy battle with ill health, Joanna was able to depart this world. It was a mournful, yet glorious day! There was no more pain and suffering for her. She is now with Jesus and family who passed before her.

Left to mourn, but with many wonderful memories are her siblings: Kathy Arp and husband James, Jimmy Barker and wife Becky, Cristi Sherard and husband Dusty, Jerry Dyer and wife Marsha. Also left behind are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom she loved very much.
Joanna would want you all to know -
from John 11:25-26

“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
With her new home and healthy body, she is living in eternal glory with her Lord and Savior.
Hallelujah!