Gladys E (Forsythe) Barker

Gladys E. Barker, a longtime resident of Munster, born March 9th, 1931, in Hammond, IN, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 13th, 2024, at the age of 93.

She is survived by her five children: Jim (Tina) Barker of Hammond, IN, Joyce (Barker) (Rad) Finch of Marion, IA, and Folly Beach, SC, Jerry Barker of Bloomington, IN, John Barker of Dyer, IN, and Jeff (Christina) Barker of Bloomington, IN, sister, Ada Davis of Crab Orchard, KY, sister-in-law, Eileen Caudill of Sun City Center, FL.

“Beach” Grandma was so proud of 30 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and one great, great grandchild and adored by many nieces and nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim (James) O. Barker in 2012 after 62 years of marriage, parents, Ernest and Ada Brook Forsythe, dear daughters-in-law, Lori Barker and Karen Heap and sisters, Peggy Potts, Dorothy MacCartney, Mary Childers Anastopolis, Betty D’Elia, and Carolyn Buster Welbon.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Woodmar Baptist Church located at 7146 Chestnut Ave., Hammond, IN.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Woodmar Baptist Church with Pastor John Clement officiating.

Gladys was a remarkable gifted full-time homeworker. Her devotion to babies and love of reading were just the beginning. Her passions and pursuits as a chef, baker, gardener, seamstress, stained glass artist, butterfly and doll collector, church volunteer, alto choir member, music lover, and caregiver are a reflection of her boundless energy and creativity. Many were recipients of her wonderful cakes and huge platters of cookies. She designed and created stained glass for every window in their Munster IN home where she lived from 1964 to 2021. The annual July Folly Beach SC vacation tradition and legacy that she and Jim began in 1968 has become a family favorite; a celebration of family love and commitment to one another. With her faith, family and friends at the center of her life, Gladys embodied the values of compassion, kindness, gratitude, and generosity, her love and legacy continuing to inspire and uplift us. The memories we hold of her will forever be a source of joy, comfort, and peace.

In lieu of flowers, please direct your gifts or donations in remembrance to Woodmar Baptist Church or your home church.

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys E (Forsythe) Barker, please visit our floral store.