Janis Kee Barker

Friday, November 19, 2021

This is the story of Janis Kee Barker. Janis was a wonderful and virtuous woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our “Nana” as she liked to be called by her grandchildren was an amazing mom, daughter, friend, piano player, singer, cook and interior decorator. She had talent and creativity like no other.

Janis’ story began on March 15, 1949, the oldest child to Oscar Lee and Lillie Blake Kee. Janis was born in Dyess. When she was little, Oscar and Lillie moved their small family to Jonesboro where Janis would grow up. She was given a brother, Danny Kee, in 1957. They moved to Caraway when she was in high school where she would make many lifelong friends.

Janis sat down to play the piano at the age of 8 with no lessons. Her first public appearance was at the age of 13 when she began playing for church and revivals all around the area as well as many talent shows.

The absolute love of her life was becoming the mother of her girls, Amanda and Ann Marie. She had a fierce love for her children. Janis was renowned for all of her creativity. Just to name a few, ringing the dinner bell, her wonderful cooking and baking, her gift of interior design, her love of plants, flowers, trees, animals and all of God’s creation.

She taught God’s word to many women for years being the ladies Bible study teacher in Milligan Ridge, Caraway and Jonesboro. She served as the church pianist for most of her life. She was a wonderful friend to so many.

Anyone who knew Janis knows that love and affection flowed from her. Her testimony was that of grace and love. She would want to share with you God’s Love. 1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) - Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Loved ones that have gone home before her are her mother and daddy and two unborn children. Loved ones that will miss and cherish her until they meet again are her two daughters, Amanda Little (Jim) and Ann Marie Burch (Eric); her brother, Danny Kee; and her grandchildren, Beau Alexander, Hayden Burch and Blane Smith.

And so the story goes on until we see our Momma and Nana again. We love, cherish and miss you.

The visitation is at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro from 10 a.m. until 11:30 Friday, Nov. 19. The burial will be at the Caraway Cemetery in Caraway at 12:30 p.m. following the visitation. We would like to thank the pallbearers: Billy Barker, Jim Little, Blane Smith, Beau Alexander, Eric Burch and Hayden Burch.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Donations are tax deductible.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com