Lilia Josefine Barker Obituary (1935 - 2022)

Lilia Josefina Conkling BarkerJosefine got her wings to the soothing sounds of Neil Diamond on February 2nd, 2022, surrounded by loving family in her home. Josefine and twin sister Elvia Carolina were born on a ranch in Cerro Prieto, Baja California Mexico in 1935 to Joseph H. Conkling, IID engineer during the creation of the All American Canal and Profesora Carolina C. Conkling. Josefine and her family immigrated to the US where she attended local schools and graduated from Central Union High School in 1953. It was in high school where she met her husband, James "Big Jim" Barker. During their 42-year marriage, they became parents to Joe Jack, Marcie, and Jimmy. Josefine worked in the bail bond industry in both Imperial and San Diego Counties for over 20 years. Josefine was the proud granddaughter of the Honorable Marvin Whitman Conkling, Superior Court Judge of the Imperial County whom, along with many other notable achievements, assisted in establishing the Eagles Lodge and served as its first president. Josefine will be remembered for her love and dedication to her children, her wit, her incomparable tamales, and her support of our military as a proud "Marine Mom." Josefine is survived by her sons Joe Jack (Shealyn) and Jimmy (Rose Mary), daughter Marcie, grandchildren Sam (Cynimen), Lilia (Sal), Edward, Blayke (Joe), and Josh (Iris), great-grandchildren Jaci, Jasinda, Andrew, Carolina (Frank, USMC), Dawson, Erika (Erasmo, USA), Alisza, Aryn, Edward Jr., Victoria, Elizabeth, Anabel, Christopher, Lilia, Elijah, Julius, and Jack Roy, and life-long friend Viane Ward. Our eternal gratitude to Richard Fitzsimmons, NP, and the entire UniCare Hospice team for their compassion, kindness, dedication, and love shown to Josefine and our family; you are all truly noble. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 18th at Frye's Chapel in Brawley from 6 pm to 9 pm. Interment will be Tuesday, February 22nd at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Josefine's name to the Imperial County Humane Society will be most appreciated.