Jill Barker

Dear John and family members, It was a privilege to work with Jill for many years on VOR matters. In meetings with Congressional staff and members of the executive branch, Jill was always effective because she did her homework and advocated articulately and passionately on behalf of all people with severe and profound IDD. She made her points in a gentle but firm voice. I also remember, fondly and in particular, John, a reception and dinner with you and Jill at the Dubliner restaurant in...

Dear John, Ian, Jennie, and family, I was so saddened to learn of Jill's passing. I worked for many years with Jill in VOR. I counted her among my mentors, who so patiently guided me as I learned the landscape of disability advocacy through the eyes of parents. I appreciated her calm intellect and good humor, even in the face of serious issues and sometimes difficult personalities. She always managed to find a path through the "noise" to get at a common purpose, equipping us with...

Dear John and Family, I met Jill through our work with VOR advocating for appropriate services for people with intellectual disabilities. I learned from her at our Washington, D.C. conferences and during VOR committee work. She was a mentor for me with her knowledge of disability issues and how she effectively presented those ideas. She also became a friend with her warmth towards others and her wonderful sense of humor. I am thankful for knowing Jill - she will be missed.

An angel here on earth.

Jill was one of the first people I met when I joined VOR. She was smart, articulate, kind and knew how to get her point across so those who needed to understand the issues of our loved ones with ID/autism. She was a great advocate and mentor. We lost a wonderful person and I am deeply saddened. I wish her family peace and comfort in knowing what a great person Jill was and how much she has done for all of us.

I remember Jill well from some of the VOR Zoom meetings. She always had something interesting and thoughtful to say. I´ll miss her. May her memory be for a blessing. Condolences to the family.

Jill was a brilliant woman whose advocacy has, and I'm sure will continue to benefit many! Thankful for the conversations we have had periodically with Jill in recent years. May grace abound to the family during this time of great sorrow and loss.

Dear John and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences for the terrible loss of Jill. It was a privilege to know Jill. I admired her effective advocacy skills - identifying and researching issues and sharing her knowledge with others through her service and through her writing. Many persons' lives are better because of her advocacy, and others will build upon the body of her work. Jill's memory is a blessing. May love surround you today. Carole L. Sherman Mother and Guardian of...

Dear John, Jennifer, and Ian, We are so sorry for your loss. Jill was such a warm, radiant woman. We met her through our shared advocacy, but became friends through the conversations that often took place before and after discussing the issues of our meetings. Jill was one of the rare people who are able to lighten others' burdens by bringing her sense of humor to our discussions, while developing practical solutions to the problems we faced. Jill had depth. Jill had heart. Jill had...