Esther Mae Barker

Sister Esther Mae Barker was the daughter of Hollis and Lillie James. Esther had nine siblings. Esther, or as her family and close friends called her “Ruby Lee or Ruby”, was born on August 30, 1941 in Gainesville, Florida. She attended and graduated from Lincoln High School. Nearly sixty years ago, Esther James met and married Deacon William Barker, a marriage that lasted greater than 36 years, until, ultimately, God called Deacon Barker home on March 31, 2003. William and Esther had three children, Robin Mapp (Alfred), Ronald Barker (Michele), and Willie “Jason” Barker (Regina). Esther spent many years working as a nursing assistant at various nursing homes, and was a proud member of Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church and served on many auxiliaries. These auxiliaries included Nursing, Senior and Mass choirs, and the Culinary Committee. Her passions included; music, fishing, going to the casino, bingo, visiting friends and family, watching and attending wrestling matches, cooking, gardening, and finally playing cards, where she was extremely competitive. Esther “never met a stranger”, did not believe in “sugarcoating” anything, and lived life on her own terms. Ruby Lee spent time volunteering for SECO. She also believed in discipline and that children should stay in a child’s place. Ruby Lee loved to laugh and she never missed a football game, play, concert (singing or band) of her children. But most of all, she ensured her children were raised to love and respect God, and appreciate He sacrificing His only begotten Son, Jesus. On January 11, 2026, God called Sis. Esther M. Barker (Ruby Lee) home to join her Husband; William. Parents; Hollis and Lillie. Brothers; Adelle and Freddy James. Sisters; Idella James, Rutha Mae Means, Wallace McCray, and Helen Godbolt. Grandson; Alfred Mapp Jr., and Son-in Law; Alfred Mapp. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy to her Children; Robin (Alfred), Ronald (Michele), and Jason (Regina), Grandchildren; Jasmine, Chris, Tiera, Maceo, Marcellus, Joi, Jalen, Jason, Elijah, Lillia, and Alexandria. Great-grandchildren; Penelopie, Gabriel, Ariel, Terrell, Kristina, Aiden, and Marissa, and Sisters; Lillie Mae Johnson, Evelyn James, Willie Mae Days, Deloris “Jackie” James, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends. Family Appreciation The family of Esther “Ruby Lee” Barker would like to extend our gratitude for the many prayers, text, calls, visitation, thoughts and kind gestures.

Esther Mae Barker

August 30, 1941 - January 11, 2026