Jennifer Barker

Jennifer Amanda (Major) Barker joined her Lord and Savior after passing away October 6, 2015 in her sleep from a brain aneurism. Jennifer was born to Lloyd and Helen Major on January 26, 1971 in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Ankeny High School in 1990. Jennifer married Chuck Barker on July 6, 2002, and they made their home in Des Moines.

Chuck was the love of Jennifer’s life. Together they enjoyed adopting and caring for cats, second-hand shopping, traveling, fishing, camping, gardening, and baking. Jennifer loved her family and friends and touched the life of everyone she met. Her smile, hugs, kisses, and laughter were contagious and brought joy to those around her. The youngest of six children, she was the “mother hen” of the family, checking on her dad each day and organizing family celebrations. She always remembered to send birthday wishes to each family member and even took responsibility for reminding her siblings about approaching birthdays. Jennifer dedicated her life to caring for other people and animals. Her love, enthusiasm, and generosity will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Chuck Barker of Des Moines; dad, Lloyd G. Major of Chariton; siblings: Lisa Major Beeman (Scott) of Ankeny, David Major (Tammy) of Des Moines, Dan Major of Ankeny, Todd Major of Elkhart, Heidi Sleister (Darren) of Ankeny; in-laws: Sue Hayes of Arizona, Helen Molly (Don) of Bagley, Peggy Hayes (Bob) of Missouri, Jeff Barker of Des Moines, Cindy Adney of Florida, Carla Adney of Frazier; aunts: Phyllis Major of Altoona, Irene Walsh of Adel, Barb Pfeifer of North Dakota; nieces: Amanda Major of Des Moines, Raven Major (Dustin) of Indianola, Mercedes Major of Des Moines; and nephews: Nicholas Major of Des Moines, Colton Sleister of Ankeny, Ryan Sleister of Ankeny, Jonathan Beeman of Ankeny, and Liam Bradley of Indianola; many great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her mom, Helen Major; mother and father-in-law, Evelyn and Vern Barker; grandparents: Jenave and Herb Walsh, Hazel and Roy Major; Sister-in-law Nancy O’Leary; brother-in-law, David Adney; uncles: LeRoy Major, Paul Major, Leo Walsh, Bob Walsh; aunts: Eula Hargis, Yvonne Major; great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive visitors at Hamilton’s (605 Lyon St, Des Moines) on Friday, October 9 (5-8pm) and Saturday, October 10 (9-11am) with a Celebration of Life service at 11am.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The only thing we take with us when we leave is a record of the love we gave away.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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