Nancy Jane Bringhurst Barker, 85

Nancy Jane Bringhurst Barker, 85, died peacefully Monday, September 22, 2025 in Gainesville, GA after a brief illness.

A memorial service will be held at Gainesville First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 27 at 11:30 AM with reception following at the church. The Rev. Leslie Watkins will officiate.

Janie was born on February 4, 1940 in Winston Salem, NC to the late Grace Elisabeth Sims (Peggy) Bringhurst and John H. (Jack) Bringhurst Jr.  As a small child she lived throughout the United States before her parents settled in Greenville, SC where she spent most of her youth and was active at Christ Church Episcopal.  She graduated from Greenville High School in 1957 and attended Duke University where she met her husband of 66 years, James (Jim) D. Barker Jr.  Jim and Janie were married on June 27, 1959. They settled in Atlanta, GA, and Janie graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1961.

Janie was a loving wife and mother. Creating a warm and inviting home for her family was of utmost importance. In Atlanta, she became a member of Peachtree Road UMC where with Jim she made lifelong friends in the Seekers and Timothy classes. She served as President of the United Methodist Women and was an active member of the Altar Guild. At Gainesville First UMC, she joined the Aldersgate class and participated in the Monday Bible Study. Throughout her life, and particularly during her years at Lanier Village Estates, Janie was known for her broad smile and kindness to everyone.

Janie is survived by her husband James (Jim) Dailey Barker, Jr. of Gainesville, GA; her children and their spouses, John (Jack) Dailey Barker (Laura), Elisabeth Barker Lovas (Andre), and Carolyn Barker Clifton (Brad); her sisters and their husbands, Mary Sue Bringhurst Despeaux (Mike) and Martha Bringhurst Bruno (Dick); her grandchildren, Kathleen Barker, Martha Barker, Nancy Lovas (Aaron Deal), James Lovas (Lindsey), Billie Clifton and Thomas Clifton; and dozens of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews that she loved dearly and who gather annually for the Bringhurst Grandchildren’s Dinner.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her sister and her sister’s husband Elisabeth Bringhurst Moore (Lanny).

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the memorial fund of Gainesville First United Methodist, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, 30501or the charity of your choice.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200.For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com