Christene L. Barker, 80, of Watervliet was delivered into the loving arms of Jesus Saturday morning, Feb. 6, 2010 at Lakeland Medical Center in Berrien Center.

Christene was born Nov. 7, 1929 in Steel, Mo., the daughter of James and Susie (Terry) Everett.  She married Jasper Barker on March 13, 1947 and the couple raised their five children in the Watervliet area.

Christene had two priorities in life: God and her family. She was a dedicated wife and a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren and was the reigning Skip-Bo champion. Christene also built her life around serving the Lord and was a member of New Freedom Church in Coloma.

Christene is survived by her son, Vernon (Djuanna) Barker of Niles; four daughters, Wanda (Mark) Daugherty of Coloma, Susie (William) Shine of Watervliet, Theresa (Bill) Villa of Niles, Tena (Michael) Bumstead of Watervliet; her sister, Evelene (Georgie) Brown of Malden, Mo.; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Christene was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; her sister; and her husband, Jasper; and her son-in-law Donnie Bishop, both in 2006.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma.  Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens.  Visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.

An online guestbook is available for those that would like to leave a message of comfort for the family at www.duffieldpastrick.com.