Photo courtesy of Lashley Funeral Home - Mio
Mio, Michigan
Aug 11, 1958 – Sep 18, 2020 (Age 62)
Karen Barker (Connor) 62, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and a friend to many, of Atlanta, MI passed away Friday, September 18th, 2020 at her home with her husband and children by her side. Karen was born on August 11th, 1958 and is proceeded in death by her parents Don and Jean Jackson and her oldest sister Kathy (Mike lay). Karen is survived by her husband of 44 years - Jerry Barker, her two daughters Jamie (Michael Chaaban), and Stephanie, her two grandsons Christopher and Tyler, and her 5 siblings Marianne Bechtold (Bernie), John Jackson (Kelly), Christine Connor, Bryan Connor, and Ron Jackson.
Karen met and married her one and only, Jerry Barker, 44 years ago and together, with their girls, traveled the country. From the oceans in Hawaii, where her husband was stationed in the Army, to the mountains in Tennessee where her youngest daughter was born, to eventually "settle down" in Northern Michigan where her family still stays.
Karen never met a stranger and loved people. She worked at A-Win-Sands Hotel for many years and enjoyed
meeting many people each and every day. She loved music, a great BBQ and her family and friends even more! You
never needed an invitation to come on over either !! There was always room for one more person, and without a doubt
there was ALWAYS enough food.
Although Karen's battle with lung cancer was short, she fought hard each and every day. She is an inspiration to
everyone who knew her. Karen is very much loved and will be truly missed by all of her family and friends, but this isn't
goodbye forever - it's later gater. Until we meet again, all our love - always and forever.
Due to Covid restrictions a typical funeral service will not be held at this time, however Karen's Family will hold
a Memorial Service for her in the near future. The date and time for that service will be posted on Facebook, and ALL
are welcome to attend. Flowers and sympathy cards can be sent to 9030 M-33 S. Atlanta, MI 49709.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI
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Grief can be so hard, but our special memories with you help us cope.
Remembering you today and always. Love you Aunt Karen
Fly high in heaven
Ashley Trout
September 24, 2020 | Jackson, MO | Family
Forever in my heart. The strongest and bravest sister your fight with cancer is over but you have left the gift of love to us all.
Marianne Bechtold
September 24, 2020 | Jackson, MO | Family
From the minute I met when I was in high school you were ma. You took care of me and gave me tools I was lacking. I love youa. I have thought about you a lot over the tears. Like I put it, you fought so hard but god saw enough and had to step in. We didn't lose you. We know where you are. You are finally home. Free of pain and suffering. I love you ma. I will always miss you. See you again someday. Tracey Armstrong
Tracey Noble
September 23, 2020 | Dorr, MI | Friend
Karen you will be missed. I will miss our conversations of our family whom you loved very much. Your zest for life and always thinking of others will be something I will carry with me. To Jamie and Stephanie and your family. I was so inspired by the way you cared for your mother during her battle with cancer. Always by her side and loving her unconditionally as she fought hard to hit her goals of seeing holidays and birthdays. What I personally witnessed was inspiring and should be the way we...
John Jackson
September 22, 2020 | White Lake, MI | Brother