Velma Fae Barker, 81, Cicero, died May 3 at her home. She was born July 28, 1934 in Knoxville, Tenn., and was adopted by Bernard and Mary (Gibbs) Pickett of Noblesville.
Velma owned Westfield Pharmacy and the Wishing Well dress shop, and worked at Pickett’s Cafeteria. She was past president of Nueces County Drug Travelers and Pharmacist’s Wives Auxiliary. Velma was Radio’s Woman of the Day; and was a woman banjo player in Toots Britton’s Banjo Band that played for minstrel shows, astronauts, retiring military and various other events. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and enjoyed painting (especially portraits) and other crafts.
Velma is survived by her husband, Jack K. Barker, whom she married April 26, 1953; son Eric W. Barker; daughter Jenny Barker; siblings Zelma Mae Hunt (her twin sister), Paris B. Pickett, Emmert Shipley, Jerry Shipley, Patsy Shipley, Carolyn Shipley and Dan Shipley; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sally Ann Barker; sisters, Eva Marie Davis and Dorothy Phyllis Cinnamon; and brothers, Leon, Dennis and Eddie Ray Shipley.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 197 South Ninth Street, Noblesville, IN 46060.
