Deacon Maple Barley, Jr.

Remembering Maple Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend   “His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”   Maple Barley, Jr. a noble, loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend was born on September 18, 1935 in Pattison, Texas to Maple Barley, Sr. and Alex M. Barley. Maple was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ralph Barley, Sr. Maple grew up in Pattison where he was raised by his Christian missionary mother and was taught a special love for family and community. His morals and values set the foundation for his life.  He attended Clemons High School in Pattison, Texas. Maple accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at William Chapel AME Church in Pattison. Later he moved to Houston, Texas and on November 16, 1969 (the same date his baby girl Kay was baptized) united with Mt. Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Samuel J. Gilbert, Sr. On July 7, 1971 he was ordained as a Deacon and worked faithfully and diligently. He served in nearly every ministry capacity at the church. He loved his pastors, Dr. Samuel J. Gilbert, Sr. (Pastor Emeritus) and Dr. Samuel J. Gilbert, II and for over four decades, prayed for, served, and assisted both pastors. He was also a Leader, Finance Officer and President of the Usher Board.  He was excited to be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. (Psalm 84:10)  Maple was a man of character, integrity, and honesty, but above all he was a man of faith, who loved the Lord and knew that his blessings came from God.   Maple was united in Holy Matrimony on February 20, 1958 to Alma Ray Palmer Barley (his childhood sweetheart). They were committed to their marriage (‘til death do us part), respected each other, and entrusted their daily lives to God.  To this union, three girls: Pamela Michelle, Alice Jeanette, Crystal Kay and one son: Maple Tyree Barley, III were born.  All shared a special bond with their dad.  He taught them many important lessons including patience, love, perseverance and understanding that “what one achieves in life is related to how hard one works.” When it came to his family, there was no doubt Maple would always put God first, his family second by providing for them as well as others, being a good husband and a great father.   Maple was employed at Schott’s (Sunbeam) Bakery which is now Flowers Bakery. He was a top notch mechanic for over 40 years.  When he retired, he became a business entrepreneur and established Barley’s Garage, a Mechanic Shop built from the ground up.  He repaired many new and used cars on a daily basis.  Later, he came out of retirement and was employed by Wells Roofing Company for 16 years as a General Manager of Operations.   Maple enjoyed several activities. Not only was he a fisher of men for Christ, he also loved to take his personal boat out on the water, to relax, laugh and enjoy quality time fishing with other fellowmen.  Bowling was one of his favorite past-times. He bowled in many leagues and won numerous trophies.  He was a sports enthusiast.  Taking one of his buddies, brothers, nephews, son-in-love (son-in-laws) or simply alone, to a sports game, gave him so much joy and pleasure.  He also was a photographer.  He took photos of church banquets, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, graduations, house blessings, family reunions, etc. which became his extended career.  Maple formed a Domino Club open every Friday night to the entire City of Houston.  The rules were printed on the wall.  Doors opened at 7PM and closed when you got tired and went home.  At this club, he would coach, mentor, counsel and give guidance and wisdom to so many men.  He was a man’s man speaking truth to power!  He was known as Daddy, Pops, Papa Barley, Uncle Map, Blue Bell, PawPaw, Rock, Jr., Father-Law, and Poppie.  He was our neighborhood and family patriarch who lived a life full of happiness always laughing.  Maple was also a thankful person and Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday.  He loved to cook, bake and fellowship with his family and extended families during this season of gratitude and sharing.    For so many hats to be worn, his most treasured one was his family. To cherish his memories, Maple is resting in the arms of his Master, takes a walk from his faithful, loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Alma Ray; his children: Dr. R. Lamont Smith of Detroit, Michigan, Pamela (Albert) Routt, Alice (Bennie) Brown, Crystal (Kary) Jackson and Maple Tyree Barley, III. His grandchildren: Jayme, Crystal, Kary, Kayla, Joshua, Jacobi, Jonathan, A’Schanta’Ray, Jeremiah, and Josiah.  His siblings: Arlington (Jean) Barley, Verna Lee Johnson and Joseph Charles (Rosalyn) Barley; his brother-in-love Lee Henry (Edith) Palmer, and his sisters-in-love Janice Barley, Ora Nell Williams.  His godchildren:  Thomas Earl Moore, Rodney Palmer, Johnathan Parker and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and extended families across the globe.