Jeanne Wilson Barker

Born in 1939, Jeanne lived a remarkable life defined by selflessness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Jeanne was a single mother who unselfishly raised two boys on her own, one with special needs. Her strength and devotion to her family were unmatched, and she poured her heart into ensuring her children had every opportunity to thrive. When her grandson, Ryan, was born, Jeanne joyfully embraced the role of “Nana the Great,” a title she cherished and carried proudly as her family grew to include her grandson, Easton Davis.

A lifelong cat lover and avid sports fan, Jeanne could often be found cheering for Florida State Baseball, the Chicago Cubs, and the Miami Dolphins. Her passion for sports reflected her spirited nature and love of community.

Jeanne earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University, launching a distinguished career in education. She served as a music teacher, third grade teacher, elementary school principal, and later as a college professor. A pioneer in the field of early childhood education, Jeanne sat on multiple national and state-level boards, helping to shape the future of the discipline. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, as she worked tirelessly to advocate for children and educators alike.

As a professor, Jeanne was outstanding—loved and adored by her students for her incredibly in-depth responses and her deep, genuine care for each individual. Remarkably, Jeanne continued teaching online classes for several colleges up through the age of 86. She touched the lives of thousands, inspiring generations of educators and leaving an indelible mark on the field.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jeanne was a fierce and loyal friend. She would drop everything in an instant to help someone in need, embodying the true meaning of compassion and generosity.

Jeanne’s legacy is one of love, service, and dedication. She will be severely missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives she enriched.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jeanne’s extraordinary life, with details to be shared by her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Forum at 1650 Summit Lake Drive, Tallahassee, Fl 32317, with a notation for the Jeanne Barker Memorial Fund, a cause close to Jeanne’s heart.