Mary Frances Davis Barker entered her heavenly rest on July 21, 2025, at the age of 97.  Born on January 22, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Norman Raphael Davis, Sr., and Leona Young Davis, Mary was the eldest of four children. She was a loving sister to Norman R. Davis, Jr., Kenneth A. Davis, Sr., and the late Winnie Davis Jones.

Mary was a proud graduate of Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri.  Mary attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree.

Mary was united in marriage to her late husband, James I. Barker.  Together, they shared 39 years of marriage and raised five children: the late Frank Barker, Dr. Jeanette Barker, Janet (Philip III) Cherry, David (Jacqueline) Barker, and Alan (Natalie) Barker, Sr.

Mary was a passionate seamstress and quilter. She found joy in creating beauty with her hands. Mary’s deep Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio, where her presence and service touched many.

Mary’s faith was central to her life.  She was an active and faithful member of Resurrection Catholic Church and later St. Benedict Catholic Church.  She helped shape her church’s community through various roles. She was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts leader and volunteer school tutor. Mary was Resurrection Catholic Parish Festival’s first co-chair. She was a past charter member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.  She also served on numerous church committees. 

Mary retired as a beloved kindergarten teacher from Resurrection Catholic Elementary School after 25 years of dedicated service. Although retired for many years, she still had students and colleagues continuing to reach out to her to express their love and gratitude and thanking her for being an inspiration in their lives. 

Mary will be remembered for her faith, gentle strength, creative spirit, commitment to lifelong learning and enduring love for her family and community.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Norman R. Davis, Sr. and Leona Young Davis, her sister, Winnie Davis Jones, husband James I. Barker and her eldest son, Frank Barker. She leaves behind four children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and dear friends.