Linda Hines-Barker

SUNRISE: OCTOBER 31, 1946

SUNSET: JUNE 2, 2013

Linda Carroll Hines-Barker was born to James and Johnnie Hines on October 31, 1946 in Big Spring,

Texas. She was the third of four children. The family moved to Midland, Texas in 1948. Linda

accepted Christ at an early age uniting with her family at Ideal Baptist Church in Midland. In Atlanta

she was affiliated with Hopewell Baptist Church and Antioch Baptist Church. Linda graduated from

from G.W. Carver High School, Midland TX, in 1965 as salutatorian of her class receiving many honors,

awards honors and scholarships. She then went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin

and the University of Texas at EI Paso. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

In February of 1969 Linda began a lifelong career as a flight attendant for American Airlines.

This was an excellent career choice considering her vibrant personality and her love of people.

She remained with the airline until her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in 1996, just prior to her

fiftieth birthday. Throughout the sixteen and one half years of dealing with this crippling

debilitating disease Linda held on to her faith in God. She maintained her peaceful

nature and amazingly, never really complained. The spirit of the Lord was truly with her.

Linda was also a courageous breast cancer survivor.

Linda always had quite an eye for fashion but she could be a bit indecisive. She discovered

an excellent solution to this problem. If it was something that caught her eye she would just

buy the item in every color available. So between the attire, that great smile and pleasing

personality she would light up every room she entered.

On August 9, 1980 Linda united in Holy Matrimony with Don A. Barker in Los Angeles, Ca.

To this union one child was born, a precious little girl, Blakelee. The family later settled in

Atlanta.

Linda was preceded in death by both of her parents. To cherish her memories she leaves

Don, her loving husband and extremely dedicated caregiver for over sixteen years, their

only child Blakelee of Raleigh N.C.; two brothers Herman, of Midland, TX, and Thurman (Lynn)

of Torrance, Ca; one sister Ruthie (Bill) of Sugar Land, Tx. Linda was especially close to one

of her nephews, Ruthie's son Derrick Christopher (Tomiko) of Encino, ca. whom she played an

integral role in his upbringing. Two additional nephews, one niece, one great niece and four

great nephews. (In-laws) Two Brothers: Clarence (Mary) of Hacienda Heights, Ca., John ( Josetta)

of Phoenix AZ and one sister, Nina 0 f Compton, Ca, four nieces, five nephews, two great nieces

and eight great nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 8 in the chapel of H.M. Patterson & Son- Oglethorpe Hill at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow.

To our friends and family:

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words as any friend could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part.

May God Bless Each of You!

The Family