Jessie Mae Holmes Roberts Barker

Mrs. Jessie Mae Holmes Roberts Barker, 69, had her transition Tuesday, November 11, 2008, under the excellent and professional care of Hospice Savannah, Inc, surrounded by her loving and devoted family.

A native of Burke County, GA, she was one of seventeen children of the late Plez and Georgian Bonner Holmes. She was a graduate of Waynesboro High School of Waynesboro, GA and later attended Cosmetology School and Armstrong State College (now Armstrong Atlantic State University).

Jessie was a avid outdoors person. She loved both the peacefulness and challenges of fishing. Friends and family members could often find her tending to the flower garden and what she called a ""small"" vegetable garden. He home was a haven to the family and was often the gathering place of choice for holidays and other family events.

For Jessie, the health of the community and educational opportunities for the youth were extremely important. She was an active leader and supporter of programs held for the advancements and improvement of the community. She also held leadership positions in the Parent and Teacher's Association.

Prior to moving to Savannah, GA, Jessie was a member of the St. John Baptist Church in Herndon, GA Upon moving to Savannah, she joined the First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Jessie was not one to just occupy a pew at the church; she was both a devoted and active member of the church. Her participation and leadership in the church included siging with various choirs, serving on the church Missionary Ministry, accepting a position on the Deaconess Board and providing support to various church auxiliaries.

As was her nature, Jessie courageously volunteered to participate in a National test group by taking a new Cancer Treatment drug. We pary that her contribution to cancer research made a difference for both her and others.

She is survived by five children: Irma Roberts of Hampton, VA, Gloria J. Roberts of Memphis, TN, Charles Roberts, Cynthia Roberts, and Corine Roberts, all of Savannah, GA; one granddaughter, Erica Ronerts of Savannah, GA, one great-granddaughter, Erin Alls. one grandson, Ganzie Outten, all of Savannah, GA; special son, Kenneth Boyland of Memphis, TN; seven brothers: Plez Holmes, Jr. of Midville, GA, Melvin (Mattie) Holmes, Sr., Wardell (Johnnie) Holmes and McArthur (Carol) Holmes, all of Savannah, GA; Charles (Jeanne) Holmes of Cary, NC, Cornelius (Valerie) Holmes of Syracuse, NY and Nathaniel Holmes of Pine Bluff, AK; four sisters: Ella Bell Holmes of Millen, GA, Clara Bell Stallings, Georgian Richardson and Mary Page, all of Savannah, /ga; one sister-in-law, Jacquelyn Williams of Petersburg, VA; two god siblings: Howard and Sherbie Adams of Savannah, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service: 10:00am, Saturday, November 15, 2008 at First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 310 West Alice Street, Savannah, GA, Rev. Clarence ""Teddy"" Williams, Jr., Pastor/Eulogist. Public viewing: Friday, November 14, 2008 from 12:00 noon - 8:00pm at Adams Funeral Services, Inc, 510 Stephenson Avemue, Savannah, GA. Mrs. Barker will lie in state at the church Saturday morning from 8:00am until hour of service. Interment: St. John Baptist Church Cemetery in Herndon, GA.

As a child of God, Jessie welcomed and was ready for he homecoming. The Lord knew of her struggle and desire to be with Him. We love her dearly, but God loves her best.

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