Eva Barker

Eva Beatrice Wray Barker, a long-time resident of the Saginaw area, made her transition Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Wellspring Memory Support, at the age of 87. She was born to Bedford and Eva Wray, February 5, 1932 in Possum Bayou, Mississippi, one of 13 children. She graduated from Central High School and dared to challenge the status quo when she joined Company “C”, First Battalion, of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in service to her country. Eva later received a Bachelor of General Studies, with high distinction, from Wayne State University in 1984.

Eva’s love of adventure and new experiences led her to live in several cities throughout her life, including Louisville, KY, East Palo Alto, CA, Washington, D.C., Grand Prairie, Texas and Alexandria VA. She enjoyed a successful career as an agent with the Internal Revenue Service tax audit division, from which she retired after serving for 30 years. Post-retirement, she settled in Saginaw to be near her grandchildren.

Eva joined her grandchildren at Bethel AME Church in Saginaw, then later affiliated with Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she worshipped and mentored many young women. Those who knew her best were keenly aware of her deep love for Christ and witnessed how she drew upon her faith and her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, not only in times of need for herself, but also in the service of others. In fact, part of her legacy is her lifelong role as Chief Encourager -- always encouraging those around her -- whether her daughters, work colleagues, young women at church, her neighbors, sometimes perfect strangers and, in her final years, the caregivers and residents at Wellspring Assisted Living, her final residence.

Eva had many hobbies. She was not only an accomplished bowler, winning many trophies, but
also had a creative spark which she expressed by sending homemade crafts to family and friends every holiday season. She found calligraphy a satisfying hobby and loved to design special occasion cards. If you are fortunate, you have one of her needlepoints or handcrafted quilts. Her later hobbies included gardening and bird watching

She was also an avid community and civic volunteer, including foster grand parenting in Virginia, serving on the volunteer Board of Directors for Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital of Michigan, and a member of the Bethel Retirees Club. During her time at Wellspring, she continued to be actively involved, attending the numerous events, games, crafts, and proud to sing in the Wellspring Senior Choir. She was an activity director’s dream, attending nearly every activity, every day, until she was no longer physically able. Family and faith meant everything to Eva, and she leaves behind beautiful memories and a life well lived.

Eva is survived by her sole living sibling, Samella Porter, of Sacramento, CA, 93 years young; three daughters to cherish her memory, Vanessa (Herbert) Brooks Herd, Saginaw, Michigan, Carolyn D. Wray, Detroit, Michigan, Celeste Johnson, Atlanta, Georgia; three grandsons, Nicholas Herd, Brooklyn, New York, Calvin Wray, Detroit, Michigan, Marcus Herd, Saginaw, Michigan; one granddaughter, Crystal Cross, Detroit, Michigan; two great-grandchildren, Panther Herd, Brooklyn, New York, Brooklyn Cross, Detroit, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, and family members who join us today at this celebration.

She was predeceased by her fourth daughter, DeVonia Robinson, of Clovis, California, who passed away on August 25, 2019.

The family would like to express our special thanks to the Wellspring staff at both the Assisted Living and Memory Support Residences and especially the team at the Meadow (green) community); the Mount Olive Church family, the Bethel Church family, Paige Jackson, Sharon & Jimmy Sanders and Eloskia & Shirley Bradley.