Angelina Marie Barker

She was born on October 19, 1930, at her grandmother Leatherman’s house in Dallas. Her parents were Leon and Rosa Roppolo. She was the oldest of their three children. Her siblings were Rita and Sidney. She attended Crozier Tech High School in Dallas.

She married Pete Barker on December 8, 1946, in Corsicana, TX. She held a variety of jobs in her younger years but her favorite job of all was being a mom. She worked for First National Bank in Dallas, Sears, Sedco Oil Co, Weaver Badge, and ended her working career back at Sears. At the age of 47, she earned her GED from Eastfield College in Mesquite after always regretting not graduating from high school.

She moved to Mesquite with her family in 1957, after a tornado hit the home they were renting in Dallas, causing extensive damage. She lived in the same home in Mesquite for 60 years before moving to McKinney to be near her daughter, grand daughter, and sister. She was an avid gardner who loved to work in her yard, bake, and spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a Son, Ronny Barker, of Dallas, Daughter and Son in law, Deborah and Steve Buckner of Frisco, Son and Daughter in law, Randy and Melissa Barker of Terrell, and Son and Daughter in law, Steven and Shelly Barker of Georgetown.

Grandchildren Danette & Justin Davis, Bryan Potter, Greg and Shoanette Harper, Cash and Emma Barker, Mackenzie and Justin Christian, and Shelby and Heath O’Banon. Great grandchildren Liam Davis, Skylar Conner, Lincoln, and Dakota Christian. Nieces Vicky Vaughan and Kathy Ferguson and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Rosa Roppolo, brother Sidney Roppolo, sister, Rita Lastor, and grandson Dakota Barker.

She was baptised at Western Heights Church of Christ in Dallas and was a member of Casa View Church of Christ in Mesquite for many years.

Pallbearers are grandsons Greg Harper, Bryan Potter, Cash Barker, Justin Davis, Heath O’Banon, and Guy Clay. Honorary pallbearer is great grandson, Liam Davis.

Memaw, as she was lovingly called by her family, treasured her family above all and was so loved by them. She was proud of her Italian heritage on her father’s side of the family, and learned from her mom how to cook several of his favorite dishes. In her younger years she was always the first to volunteer when illness or hardship struck her family acting as care giver and support when needed. At the age of 30, she received the devastating news that her 16 year old brother, Sidney, had an incurable blood disorder. At the time there was no name for this disease but later it became known as leukemia. He survived 9 months after receiving the diagnosis and she took on the role of care giver and support for her devastated parents and family.

When she had her first child, Ronny, at the young age of 17, she quickly adapted into her new role of mom. He was loved and adored by her. She once said she grew up with him because she was so young at the time of his birth.

6 years later, her only daughter, Deborah was born. She loved to dress her up and put ribbons in her hair and loved being her mom.

23 months later, another son, Randy, was born. By this time, she was experienced at motherhood and made sure she spent time with each child to make them feel special and loved.

11 years later, a third son, Steven, was born. With teenagers in the house she had to adjust to having a new born again and did so with ease. This time she had several babysitters available. She was an avid supporter and baseball mom to Steven, never missing a game, and always cheering him on. She was so proud of him when he was awarded a baseball scholarship at the end of high school.

She was so excited and happy when she became a grandmother, first to Danette, then followed by Bryan, Greg, Dakota, Cash, Mackenzie, and Shelby. She told her daughter it was the best job in the world and the one she liked best! Her grandbabies were her pride and joy and when she got new pictures she showed them to everyone she knew, bragging about how cute and smart they all were! As each grandchild grew up and got married she was proud to call their spouses her grandchildren as well.

In 2011, she became a great grandmother and again was so excited and happy and could not wait to meet her great grandson, Liam. She thought he was the most beautiful baby ever born. When Skylar, Lincoln, and Dakota were born a few years later she thought the same thing. She loved getting new pictures of them all and hearing about their activities and interests. She displayed their photographs with pride and loved to show them to her friends.

At every place she lived after moving from her home in Mesquite- senior apartment, McKinney Rehab, assisted living, and finally Stonemere Nursing Home in Frisco she wanted everyone to call her Memaw and they all adopted her as their Memaw.

Her strength and determination is a trait that has passed to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was once asked how she was able to stay strong during some of the tragic times in her life, losing her brother at such an early age, and her beloved grandson, Dakota, and she replied, I have to as my family depends on me. The good Lord carried me until I could get back on my feet.

Though her memory had faded the last couple of years she would recall happy times with loved ones and especially of her childhood, and smile at those memories sharing stories with her children and grandchildren.

We all have our special memories of Memaw and she will live on in our hearts as long as we are on this earth. We will never think of her without a smile as we know she will be watching over us from heaven. She would not say goodbye in the past few weeks but would say instead-I’ll see you when I see you.

Rest well Memaw as you have fought the pain for so long you now deserve a good rest.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Barker family.