Barbara Jean Baker

Johnston City- Barbara Jean (McClain) Baker, age 82, of Johnston City, passed away at 4:13pm on Thursday, May 27, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Barb passed away at home, surrounded by her loving children.

Barbara was born in Barrington, Illinois on March 8, 1938, the daughter of John Douglas and Almyra (Marsh) McClain. She married Samuel Eugene Baker in Mississippi on November 18, 1954, and from this union came three children.

Barb spent several years as an executive housekeeper. Her true passion came later when she became a Certified Nurse’s Aide at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, as she truly loved to take care of her patients.

Her family and friends will hold the memory of this special woman and her strength, in their hearts forever.

Survivors include her three children-

Son- Mike and Marytom Baker of Pittsburg

Daughter- Barbara and Rick Verbal of Murphysboro

Daughter- Jeanne and Billy Dean of Johnston City

Grandchildren- Jeremy and Julie Baker

     Ashley and Justin Cavitt

     Angie and Johnny Thomas

     Karri Goodknight

     Luke and Sarah Verbal

     Amanda Verbal and Dekota Strodick

     Josh and Sarah Dean

     Nick Dean

Great Grandchildren- Noah, Makayla, and Isaiah Baker

     Blakely, Kenadie, and Jericho Cavitt

     Tyler and Tessa Verbal

     Logan Keown

     Haily Farmer

     Ryder Strodick

     Emma, Molly, Samuel, Bryson, and Grayson Dean

Great great grandchildren- Xavior Haney

     Kingston Verbal

     Klayton and Payton Farmer

Sister- Sandra (McClain) Robinson of California

Brother- John and Marilyn McClain of North Carolina

Many special nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband- Samuel Baker, and nephew- Mark Robinson.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Deon Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Cana Cemetery in Goreville. A time of visitation will be held from 9:30am until 11:00am on Wednesday at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.

For those who prefer memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.