Debra Barker

Debra Jean Barker “Deb” passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 6, 2022, in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, at the age of 62. Deb was born on August 6, 1960, in Kalamazoo, MI. She was one of four siblings born to Robert and Mary (Bebee) Jeffries, and one of eight siblings raised by Robert and Betty Jeffries.

Deb was known by everyone as a hard worker throughout her life in both Allegan, MI and Ohio, and was a life-long animal lover. Her most recent fur babies were two kitties named Muffin and P.I.T.A, who she adored. One of her favorite hobbies, needlework, proved to be one of her greatest talents. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and sewing for family and friends. She loved making baby blankets and Christmas tree skirts, along with different curtains for the different holiday seasons.

In the little free time she had, Deb liked reading novels, enjoyed movies like Steel Magnolias and more recently had gotten “hooked” on the TV show Yellowstone. She will always be remembered for her love of watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with her only grandson, Gus.

She was known to be “sassy” at times and wasn’t shy about neither her dislike of raisins and maraschino cherries nor her love for all things related to homemade soups. Everyone who knew Deb always kept their holiday ham bones in their freezer, waiting for Deb to beg them for their ham bones so that she could make the world’s best homemade soup stock for boiled dinner. The irony is that Deb would make her famous soup, and then give it back to the family and friends who had saved their ham bones. Even her son-in-law said she made the best homemade soup stock and would always call her for her special recipe.

Deb was passionate about 80s music and enjoyed quirky, witty facts about 80s bands. She passed her love for music on to her daughters and was known to quiz them about tiny details, which always ended in the three of them breaking out in laughter.

Above all, Deb loved being a mother and grandmother. Throughout her life, she demonstrated the ethics of hard work, the value of life-long friendships and the promise of unconditional love for her family. She was generous, giving and kind to everyone she would meet.

Deb was preceded in death by her biological mother; Father, Robert Jeffries and Siblings Fred Jeffries and Michael Jeffries.

Deb is survived by her Mother, Betty Jeffries; Siblings, Patricia Lambes, Renee (Brad) Tyler, Billy Joe (Basil) Kidwell, Rhonda (Phil) Madalinski, Melodie (Jim) Davis; Daughters, Crystal (Jason) Lung, Julia Barker; Grandson, Augustus Alan Lung; and Former Spouse, Barry Barker.

A special thanks for Sammy Boyd, who has been supportive during this time of Deb’s passing. Also, thank you to all of her friends and various co-workers in both Michigan and Ohio who were always supportive, encouraging and reliable. Deb spent so much of her life working that her co-workers became like family to her. She especially enjoyed her time working at Mahle Behr and Perrigo, Inc. and the relationships she had built with her many colleagues.

As an expression of sympathy, memorials or donations can be sent to Porter Tidd Funeral Home in care of Crystal Lung and Julia Barker. Deb will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Bloomingdale, MI.

Arrangements were handled by PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 331 W. Main Street, Mount Sterling, OH, 43143. (740) 869-2777