Paula Barker

Paula Jean Barker, age 66 years of Niles, Michigan died on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at her home unexpectedly, but of natural causes. She was born February 1, 1950 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Paul and Thelma Jean (Hopkins) McCray.

Paula graduated from Brandywine High School in 1968 and was always proud to be a Bobcat. PJ, as she was affectionately known by many, enjoyed sports, travelling, reading, and conquering her daily crossword puzzle, yet the most important thing in her life was her friends and her family. She was the epitome of a people person, she had a huge smile, laugh, personality and was adored by many. Paula was also an avid and talented golfer, and played on many leagues in the area. Her love of golf was cultivated while living in San Jose, California for over 10 years. Paula was a loyal Notre Dame Women’s Basketball fan and thoroughly enjoyed attending as many games as she possibly could, often taking different friends to each game. She also lived for attending her granddaughter’s sporting events, PJ was a very proud and vocal fan. On February 1st (her 66th birthday), Paula retired from AAA Cindy McCall Insurance Agency after over 20 years of service. After retirement, she travelled often to visit friends in Florida and California.

Surviving family includes one daughter, Shanna (& Chris) Tyler of Stevensville, Michigan and three granddaughters of whom she was so proud, Claire Tyler of Telluride, Colorado, Cameron Tyler at Washington & Lee University, Lexington, Virginia and Elizabeth Tyler, a senior at Lakeshore High School, Stevensville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sandra Lee Gwin.

The Memorial Service for Paula Jean Barker will be held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the church officiating.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 4-7:00p.m. on Monday, July 11 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Donations in memory of Paula may be made to American Heart Association, Go Red for Women, 328 Pratt Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001, attn: Chris Laurent.

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