Helen Barker

Helen Johnson Barker, 83, of Kings Mountain, passed away at home surrounded by her loving and devoted family on February 23, 2023. She was born May 4, 1939, in Gaston County, to the late Quitman L. Johnson and Ruth Thornburg Johnson.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Carl Barker; son, Kenneth Gary Smith; brothers, Quint Johnson, Terry Johnson.

Helen was a member of the Crowders Creek ARP Church, worked for 35 years at

Ti-Caro Threads and retired from Image Mark. She was a daycare teacher, an avid gardener who loved her flowers and hummingbirds.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Tracy Howell (James “Junior”); son, Larry William Barker (Michelle); grandchild, Paige Krawczyk (Keith); great-grandchildren, Addison and Wyatt Krawczyk, step granddaughter Nicole Wright; step great-granddaughter Natalie Duvall; 3 granddaughters in Arizonia; special family, Curtis Johnson and Linda Johnson, best friend, Pat Phillips; daughter-in-law, Wanda Smith; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved little Bella.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Crowders Creek ARP Church.

Helen’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Crowders Creek ARP Church with Rev. Jason Strong officiating.

Interment will follow at Crowders Creek ARP Church Cemetery, Gastonia.

In lieu of flowers, send a donation to the Humane Society or a local animal shelter.