WILMINGTON — Anelle “Ann” Hinds Barker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, devastated everyone who loved her by passing away September 1, 2025. Ann lived a rich and fulfilling life spanning more than nine decades — not nearly enough — although we’re all grateful her passing was both peaceful and at home.
Ann was born on July 8, 1932, in Jacksonville, Illinois, the middle child of loving and devoted parents. She graduated from Edina High School (Missouri) and went on to earn her degrees from William Woods College at Fulton and Kirksville State Teachers’ College before beginning her lifelong career and calling as “everyone’s favorite teacher.”
She shared her love for learning, her high standards, and her teacher-servant heart with students in many schools throughout Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio before landing at Chagrin Falls Middle School where she taught until her retirement in 1988—ensuring multiple generations of students could sing the linking verb song by heart for the rest of their lives.
It will surprise no one to know that she herself was an avid reader and an excellent student. But she was also a woman of many other interests and talents. She found enormous joy in cooking, sewing, knitting, and entertaining, especially for her family and friends old and new. The consummate hostess, she would peel strawberries if you didn’t like the seeds, knit bespoke clothing for treasured family heirlooms, and always ensure you were happy, well-fed, and comfortable.
She loved gardening, card games, desserts, “old blue eyes” Frank Sinatra (who she would tell you made eye contact with her once at his Vegas show!), babies and old people (and everyone in between), dogs and cats, and both the bluebirds in her bird houses and goldfish in her pond.
More than anything in the world, Ann adored her family, the true pride and joy of her life. In just a few weeks, she and her husband John D. “Jack” Barker, Jr. would have celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Uel Lee and Helene Hinds, daughter Jo Dee, son John, son-in-law Michael, and sister Janet. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters Joan and Helene, son-in law John, daughter-in-law Lori, grandchildren Annie (Tom), Megan (Travis), Simon, and Claire (Alastair), great-grandchild Sunny, brother David, and a legion of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ann leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication to education, and commitment to family. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Plans are being made to celebrate Ann’s life at her home church of All Saints Anglican Parish, 2623 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405, where family and friends will gather on October 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm to honor her memory and celebrate her legacy; in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the church.
