Annabel Barker, 91, passed away at Parkview Nursing and Rehab on April 21,2026. Annabel was born December 29, 1934, in Ft Worth Texas. She was an only child, born to Herbert C. Boutwell and Ann Nutt. She grew up and attended school in Big Spring. Annabel had been in declining health for the last severalContinue Reading
Annabel Barker, 91, passed away at Parkview Nursing and Rehab on April 21,2026. Annabel was born December 29, 1934, in Ft Worth Texas. She was an only child, born to Herbert C. Boutwell and Ann Nutt.
She grew up and attended school in Big Spring. Annabel had been in declining health for the last several years, starting in 2017 when she fell and broke both hips within eleven months.
As a young woman she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Big Spring where she navigated the old-style switchboard. It was during this time, while she had a ‘side gig’ at the switchboard for the state hospital, that she met her future husband, Jerry (J.O.) Barker. They married February 24, 1959… she also worked at Park Hill Elementary School as a teacher’s aide and later she worked for Dr Rip Patterson as a dental assistant. In the early 90’s she was appointed to the Texas State Health Coordinating Council by then Governor, Ann Richards. It was an accomplishment she was quite proud of.
In her early years, they were members of 1″ Methodist Church in Big Spring, then later became members of 1″ Baptist in Big Spring, where she was a member of the Chapel Sunday School Class. She had been involved in Eastern Star and Rainbow girls. Feeding people made her happy! In her early years she was always cooking. Jerry’s work for the railroad kept her on her toes. She always made sure she had home cooked meals, rising before dawn many times to cook breakfast for him before he left for work. Due to his frequent travel she had to take care of family business and was able to make some pretty good real estate deals over the years. She loved dogs, especially dachshunds, and loved and cared for many of them over the years. She will be remembered for her elegant handwriting, beautiful geraniums in her yard, and delicious food in her oven.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry (J.O.) Barker, Big Spring, her only child, daughter, Delynda (RC) Reed, Big Spring, 2 granddaughters Brooke (Tracy) Hix, Lubbock, and Ashley Scaglione, Midland. Also survived by 3 great grandsons: Anthony Scaglione (Lubbock), Matthew Scaglione (Midland), and Raider Hix (Lubbock).
The family would like to thank Interim Hospice and Parkview Nursing & Rehab for their care these last few years.
In lieu of flowers, please make a monetary donation to:
Shriner’s Children’s Hospital c/o Shriner’s Processing Center, Box 1510, Ranson, West Virginia 25438-9902 or to: Rescue the Animals, 4620 North First Street, Abilene, Texas 79603 www.rescuetheanimals.org
The family will have a visitation from 1pm – 3pm, Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. No formal services are planned.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com
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