Charlaine Tweedie Barker

She was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, on November 2, 1928, the daughter of William Reid and Adelaide Schott Tweedie and raised there along with her siblings, Marilyn Tweedie Shutz and William Reid Tweedie, Jr., all of which preceded her in death.

Char married James B. (Jim) Hitt from New Berlin, Illinois, in 1951, and they had five children. Later in life, she married John C. Barker of Springfield.

Char attended high school in Jefferson City, Missouri, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in textile merchandising from University of Missouri. She later earned her master’s degree in counseling from Sangamon State University (UIS).

As a young married woman, she enjoyed living in the country in Illinois where she raised her children. She served on the New Berlin school board for several years, volunteered at the Sangamon County Fair, American Heart Association, and other charitable organizations. Through friends and family connections, she was also involved in the Springfield community where she lived for several years. She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, King’s Daughter’s Progress Circle, Junior League of Springfield, PEO, Springfield Art Association, and Sunnyside.

Char eventually moved to Maine where she and her family vacationed each summer on Peaks Island. She loved the ocean, gardening, and the beauty of Maine. She was an avid bridge player and joined a bridge club and PEO chapter where she formed new friendships.

Charlaine is survived by her children, Charlie (Karen) Hitt, Libby (Bill) Shelley, and Ben Hitt, all of Springfield, Illinois, and Mary (John) Davis of Freeport, Maine; grandchildren, Collin (Mary) Hitt, Reid (Hilary Doyle) Hitt, Lauren Hitt, Jessica (Luke) Maynerich, Caroline Davis, Alex Shelley, and Claire Shelley; and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Brown Hitt of Springfield; and her furry companion, Patch.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In celebration of Char’s life, donations can be made to the Springfield Art Association or your local animal charity.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.