Arlene Barker Wilburn, age 91, of Grahn, Kentucky, entered peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on November 15, 2024, while surrounded by her devoted family at her residence. She was welcomed into eternity by her husband of 73 years, Glen Wilburn and her infant son, Tony Randall Wilburn.
She was born on June 10, 1933, in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Leonard and Louella Blevins Barker.
Arlene was a dedicated homemaker, loving wife, and precious Mom and Mamaw to a family who adored her. She was also a faithful servant of the Lord for 66 years and a cherished member of Grahn Hill Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed working in her flowers, watching birds from her recliner in the living room, and sitting on her front porch with family and friends. She was well known for her Saturday morning breakfasts and her Sunday afternoon dinners. Arlene truly touched the lives of all who knew her with her kind heart and gentle spirit.
In addition to her parents, husband, and infant son, she was preceded in death by one brother, Arthur “Buddy” Barker, one sister Ardella Nolen, son-in-law Sammy Valandingham, and many other beloved family members and friends.
She is survived by nine children who all love her dearly – Sharon Valandingham, Alice Waggoner, Jerry (Brenda) Wilburn, Cathy Carroll, Timothy (Kim) Wilburn, Ella Mae (Tony) James, Daris (Debbie) Wilburn, Leona (Doug) Steagall, and Van Wilburn; nine grandchildren – Leo (Karen) Valandingham, Carla Valandingham, Rob (Megan) Roar, Wes (Kat) Waggoner, Jason (Brandi) Carroll, Amanda (Dave) Wilburn, Gina Vanlandingham, Kristen (Chris) Bledsoe, and Tara (Matt) Dollar; nine great-grandchildren – Chloe Carroll, Kendra Vanlandingham, Ava Roar, Sadie Roar, Nathan Waggoner, Nora Waggoner, Caitlyn Bledsoe, Ethan Bledsoe, and baby Teddy Jack Dollar. In addition, she is survived by her brother Tommy (Dorothy) Barker, her sister Amelia (Dwight) Keaton, one aunt Faye Blevins Stafford, many special nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends who will all sadly miss her.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 18, 2024, at Grahn Hill Freewill Baptist Church in Grahn, Kentucky with Brother Bobby Day and Brother Jimmy Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Carter County.
Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024, and after 9 a.m., Monday, November 18, 2024, until the service hour at Grahn Hill Freewill Baptist Church in Grahn, Kentucky.
Her grandsons and sons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Her granddaughters will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Arlene Barker Wilburn.
