Athena Hope Barker Witham

Athena Hope (Teen) Barker Witham passed away August 20, 2020, at St. Vincent's Heart Hospital. Athena was born on July 13, 1923, to the late Richard and Georgia (Hadley) Barnard in Clay County, Indiana. Athena is survived by her children: Beverly Brizendine, Bill (Marilyn) Barker, Marcella (David) Blair and Mary (the late David) Klene. She is also survived by her sister Mary Winklepleck, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 4 great- great grandchildren and 6 nieces and nephews. Athena is preceded in death by her parents listed above, her sister Mildred Honchell, brothers, Richard and Ralph Barnard. On September 4, 1942, she married her husband, Loren C. Barker and they began building their life together. They spent 48 wonderful years with their family before Loren's passing. On July 6, 1990, Athena married Clarence Witham and they had twenty years together before he passed away. Athena's first job was for Campbell Soup where she was the tomato inspector. She then moved on to work for RCA and Avon before she went back to school to get her Associates degree in Nursing. She was a nurse at Hancock Regional Hospital for 5 years before she went to work for Dr. Henn for 13 years where she retired in 1987. She was a member of Nameless Creek Christian Church for more than 50 years. Athena enjoyed painting, quilting, playing the dulcimer, making teddy bears, and making blankets for babies in the hospital in Mali, Africa. While her daughters were growing up, she was an assistant troop leader for Girl Scouts and Brownies. She will be missed by many and remembered by even more. Services for Athena will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 W. Main Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140, with visitation from 10am-12pm and service starting at 12. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery. Please share your memories and condolences with Athena's family at www.stillingerfamily.com Masks are required