William Bryant Barker

BARKER William Bryant Barker went to his heavenly home Friday, May 11, 2012. A life long resident of Covington, LA, he was born November 5, 1930 to the late Horace and Hazel Core Barker. The beloved husband of SeWilla Quave Barker for 60 years, he is survived by five daughters, "The Barker Girls": Leah Beth Barker Nettles (Donald), Rhonda Barker Smith (Stephen), Kathy Barker Foxworth (Greg), Laurie Lea Barker, Mary Barker Rodrigue (Rod); one sister, Angie Barker Blackwell; seven grandchildren: Michael Nettles (Robyn), Bryan Nettles (Jennifer), Stephanie Smith McCray (Robbie), Jennifer Smith Thibodeaux (Josh), Sky Foxworth, MaryClaire Rodrigue and Julian Rodrigue III and one great granddaughter, Claire Nettles. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Stanley and Harry Barker; and two sisters: Lillie Belle Thompson and Norma Maklary. Bill Barker was a loving husband and father. His grandchildren adored him and loved his stories. He was known for his huge heart, extraordinary sense of humor and his delicious baked yeast rolls and bread. Many men from the Barker's Corner Community remember him as their Boy Scout Master, Troop 336. William B. Barker was a lifelong educator. His career in the St. Tammany Parish School Board spanned more than 30 years. He started his profession as a teacher at Fifth Ward and Lee Road Schools. Then he became Principal at Southeast Hospital School in Mandeville. He was Principal at Folsom Elementary/Junior High and Lee Road Consolidated Schools. He enjoyed his years as Supervisor of Special Education for the Parish. After his retirement, he served as a Principal and Administrator of Regina Coeli Head Start System. Bill continued his career in education as a Supervisor of Student Teachers for Southeastern Louisiana University. Many took his 55-Alive Driving Safety classes. His weekly column, "Bill's Corner", added entertainment to the Shepherd's Care Bulletin and he taught Sunday school for over 50 years. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Services at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at New Zion Baptist Church, 17378 New Zion Church Rd., Covington, LA 70435. A wake is scheduled at New Zion for Monday, May 14, 2012 from 6:00-9:00 PM with visiting hours beginning Tuesday at 9:00 AM. Interment at Barker-McManus Cemetery will immediately follow services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fair Haven Ministries or Shepherd's Care Ministries. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, LA has been entrusted with arrangements. Please sign the family guestbook on-line at www.ejfieldingfh.com.