Beverly W Barker

Beverly W. Barker, 88, passed away on October 25, 2015.

She was born in Steubenville, Ohio May 6, 1927 to the late Charles and Mary Williams.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. H. Kenneth Barker, Dean Emeritus at the University of Akron; brother Paul Williams of Fairlawn, Ohio and sister Kay Bechtel of Findlay, Ohio.

She is survived by two sons: James Leaver of Medina, Ohio and Robert Leaver of Miami, Florida; step-son, Glenn Barker of San Francisco, California; brother Charles Williams of Brilliant, Ohio; grandchildren: Lauren Leaver of Marietta, Ohio, Jamie (Shannon) Sawyer of Nashville, Tennessee, Jordyn Leaver of Cleveland, Ohio, Marco and Caridad Leaver of Miami, Florida; great-granddaughters: Peyton and Paige Leaver of Marietta, Ohio, as well as the Williams family clan and friends.

At her request, cremation will take place. Friends and family will be received at the Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio on Friday, October 30, 2015 from 11:00AM until 12:00 Noon, at which time a Memorial Service will be held.

Bev, as she was affectionately known, was quick to laugh and possessed a generous spirit. A talented pianist, she could "boggie-woogie" with the best. She went to college at Ohio State University where she worked in the athletic department alongside Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler. She relocated to Denver, Colorado and after living in Washington D.C., El Paso, Texas, and Lucas Valley, California, she returned to Ohio. While working at the University of Akron, she met her second husband, Dean Barker.

In memory of her daughter-in-law, Jane Leaver, who passed away last year, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lazarex Cancer Foundation ( www.lazarex.org ).

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)