Golden Crum Barkley

At the remarkable age of 105, a lifelong resident of Tippah County and a lady dearly loved by so many, Mrs. Golden Crum Barkley met the promises of her precious Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, as she peacefully entered her Heavenly Home.

Funeral services honoring her long and fruitful life will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation from 11 AM until the time of service. Burial will follow in Jacobs Chapel Cemetery with a brief graveside prayer.

Born into this world on October 23, 1920, Mrs. Golden was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph Luther "Jack" and Effie Bryant Crum. She received her education at Palmer School and on December 24, 1945, married the love of her life, Robert B. Barkley, known to most as Bob, who preceded her in death. Together they built a home grounded in faith, strong Christian values, hard work, and an unwavering love for family. Their life together was a beautiful testimony of devotion, perseverance, and grace.

A woman of steadfast character and remarkable strength, Mrs. Golden devoted much of her life to serving others. She faithfully worked for forty years as a factory worker with Blue Bell and Red Kap, embodying a tireless work ethic and humble spirit. She also proudly served her country as a member of the Women's Army Corps, answering the call with the same courage and dedication that marked every season of her life.

Above all, Mrs. Golden was a devoted Christian who treasured God's Word and lived it daily. Mt. View Baptist Church was her second home, a loving to gather with her church family, lifting her voice in songs of praise, speaking with heartfelt conviction about her faith, and faithfully praying for those she loved. Her walk with the Lord was not simply something she professed-it was something she practiced each and every day.

Outside the walls of the church, she delighted in the simple and beautiful joys of Southern living. She loved to travel, to welcome visitors into her home, to crochet thoughtful gifts for others, and to tend to fresh, blooming flowers. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family. Her home was a place of warmth, wisdom, laughter, and prayer. She loved her family deeply and unconditionally, and they were her greatest pride and joy.

How truly wonderful and rare it is to have been blessed with her presence for 105 remarkable years. To have shared in her stories, her prayers, her gentle counsel, and her unwavering love is a gift her family will forever treasure. While hearts are tender in her absence, there is a deep and abiding comfort in knowing that she is now rejoicing in Heaven-enjoying the riches laid up before her, reunited with loved ones gone before, and hearing the sweet words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Though her chair may now sit empty and her voice has grown quiet in this world, the echoes of her prayers will continue to cover her family for generations. And when they look toward Heaven, they can almost see her smile and hear her softly say, "I've made it home."

Those left to carry on such a beautiful legacy include her son, Eddie Barkley, two daughters, Peggy Barkley, and Jackie Traxler, two grandchildren, Karen Wade (Eddie), and DeeDee Walker (Rickey), six great grandchildren, Brent Wade, Chris Wade, Trey Glaze, Candice Graham, Kristen James, and Shaun Walker, fifteen great great grandchildren, one great great great grandchild, and special friends, Marsha Criswell, Beth Wilbanks, and Jamie Clemmer.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Louise Ketchum, Natalie Linville, Hester Holmes, and Totsie Holmes, and her brothers, Vardie Crum, and Perry Lee "Putt" Crum.

Ripely Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Golden's family.