Margaret's Journey

On Thursday, October 7, 2021, Margaret Ellen (Gunther) Barkley peacefully departed this earthly life at the age of 102, in her Eden, Maryland home, surrounded by her loving and only surviving daughter, Martha Cottman, and granddaughters, Charmaine Wright and Faye Corbin.

Margaret was born October 15, 1918, in Allen, Maryland to the late Darie Polk and Fred Gunther. She attended school and church in Allen as well.

Margaret was joined in holy matrimony to Howard Alex Barkley and the couple was blessed with seven children. Despite having a large family, Margaret made time for others, working for Dr. Talmadge Reeves for more than thirty years. During that time, she became as close as family and served as a "special" grandmother at the Holly Center and the local Head Start program in Eden, Maryland, for sixteen years.

One of her legacies is longevity. Margaret leaves to cherish loving memories her daughter: Martha Cottman; son-in-law: Robert Finney; grandchildren: Deborah, Faye, Edwin, Charmaine, Patricia, Linden, Elizabeth, Kevin, Denise, and Michelle; a host of great, great-great-grandchildren; niece: Peggy Gunther; cousin: Lottie Bivens; close friends: Eunice Morris, Alonzo Mills, and many other extended relatives and friends. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, Margaret's husband: Alex Barkley; her brothers: John, Lee, and Atwood; her children: Fred, Herman, Oliver, John, also known as Jack, Alphonso, and Remonia; grandsons: Thomas Cottman and Donald Banks Jr., all preceded her in death.

Lovingly Submitted By The Family

Note: Howell & Jolley Memorial Chapel, P.A. will comply with the COVID-19 rules regarding masks and safe social distancing. Therefore, anyone attending the viewing and/or funeral services must wear a mask. We will also take temperature upon entry.

Psalms 65: 5-8

5. My soul, wait for thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. 6. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.