Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Please refer to obituaries for information on visitations, funeral services and requests by the family or deceased for honoring their memory.

Elsie Jean (Cotton) Barker

February 27, 1926 - April 04, 2025

Text:

Obituary For Elsie Jean (Cotton) Barker

Age 99, Pastor's Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Gardener, Community Inspiration

Elsie "Jean" Barker, age 99, devoted wife of the late Rev. Dr. William P. Barker, died April 4, 2025. She was the cherished mother of the Rev. Dr. John (Sandy) B. Barker and Ellen (Martin) Brutsch, loving grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother to eight. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Jarvis Cotton and Elsie Cotton and her two brothers, Jarvis Cotton and Elmore Cotton.

Jean dedicated her life to supporting her husband's ministries. Together, they founded Bower Hill Community Church in Mt. Lebanon and went on to serve the congregations and communities of First Presbyterian Church in Allentown, PA, and several churches on Cape Cod, MA, where they eventually lived in retirement. Upon Bill's death, she returned to Pittsburgh, PA, where she lived and returned to Bower Hill Community Church as a member until the end of her life.

She was the inspiration behind the Pittsburgh based Mister Roger's Neighborhood's puppet, Elsie Jean Platypus, who her husband voiced and operated on the program. The puppet demonstrated Jean's warmth and kindness.

An avid organic gardener, Jean found joy in planting and growing, cooking, and sewing. Feeding and hosting hundreds in her lifetime, she was faithful to her church, her family and her community, lovingly sharing her talents, thoughtfulness and generosity.

Jean's legacy of service, creativity, and love will live on through the many lives she touched. Services were held privately and arranged by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood 15227.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • April 13, 2025

    Marla Menzies

    To the family of Jean Barker, Although Jean left the Cape sometime ago it is with great fondness that I remember her. I tried to keep her up to date with Scottish goings on here every Christmas with my hand drawn cards. Aside from Scottish Country Dancing and watching Bill on parade with pipes skirling, Jean and I had many lively conversations about flowers and vegetable growing. Bill and Jean's stories of the Vic 32, the Clyde Puffer, around the islands of western Scotland got me signed up for my own adventure. Jean was always gracious and such a strong person. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know her. Thank you to Jean's family for taking the time to have her obituary printed in the Cape Cod Times. I am so appreciative of that. Very fondly, Marla Menzies

  • April 12, 2025

    Thelma Lovette Morris

    My prayers of comfort are with the Barker family. I met Rev. & Mrs. Barker & their children in the 1960's when my family was a part of the Membership Exchange Program with Bower Hill Community Church. I have fond memories of Mrs. Jean Barker and Rev. Bill Barker. God bless the Barker Family! Thelma Lovette Morris

  • April 09, 2025

    Betty Jo Richards

    My sympathy and love go out to the Barker Family. We hold so many special memories of them when they were at First Presbyterian Church in Allentown. I still use recipes given to me by Jean. Peace to all. Betty Jo richards