Cheryl Louise Barker

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Cheryl was a graduate of Upper Arlington High School, The Ohio State University and a lifelong Ohio State Buckeyes football fan. At Ohio State she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She also received a Master's in Education from the University of Louisville graduating as a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Her working life was devoted more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

Cheryl lived in Columbus OH, Louisville KY, and later Tampa FL; teaching at Barrington Elementary, St Matthews Elementary and Essrig Elementary Tampa garnering teaching accolades along the way. In Tampa, she became involved in the faith community at Idlewild Baptist Church, which was to became a central part of her life.

Cheryl was a working member of the church and a mentor to countless others. She worked tirelessly on the

monthly Joy Ministry Luncheons and cherished the friendship and fellowship from the Bible Seekers Class. She was also a longtime member of the church choir.

Hard work and her teaching acumen led to success everywhere she went. However, anyone who knew Cheryl knew she was happiest when surrounded by her beloved family. Quick to give a smile and kind words, she will be remembered for her kindness and devotion to church, family, friends, and her enduring Buckeye spirit.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Eugene C. “Skip” Barker; her brother, John W. Cammarn; and granddaughter, Erin Barker. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Marilyn) Barker and William (Sherry) Barker; five grandchildren, Matthew (Kacy) Barker, Nicholas Barker, Sarah (Will) Tafel, Hayley (Nick) Hoffman, William J. Barker Jr; and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Noah, Tyler, and Lillian.

The family wishes to express our deepest appreciation to her caregivers at St. Joseph Hospital North, The Lodge at Angels Senior Living and The Melesh Hospice House for the warmth and care they provided.

Visitation will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church Tampa FL on Saturday February 7th at 10AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11AM. Burial service will take place afterward at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park Tampa.