Jaré Barkley

In the late morning of Friday, May 21, 2021, Dr.  Jaré Lyons Barkley departed his earthly home in the arms of his wife Mary Anne and began his journey to his eternal home into the arms of Jesus Christ his Savior.

Jaré’s life began November 29, 1928, in King’s Daughters Hospital of Greenville, Mississippi, when parents Dr. Thomas Jefferson Barkley and Lois Randall Barkley joyfully welcomed their first and only son.  Jaré enjoyed an adventurous childhood in the Mississippi Delta where he’d follow in his father’s footsteps by entering the medical profession and ultimately have children of his own.

Jaré graduated with highest honors from Belzoni High School; he was an Eagle Scout and lettered in several sports including boxing.  He was a talented musician who played the saxophone in a local band, comically called Joe Bananas Music with Appeal.  His passion for music was apparent to those around him, as he often sang popular songs and traditional hymns in his harmonious baritone voice.

Jaré attended premedical school at the University of Mississippi where he was an honor student and a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in the Class of 1954 and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Fraternity for achievement.  He completed a surgical internship at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and a surgical residency at Boston City Hospital.

Dr. Barkley was married to the late Joyce Hollingsworth Barkley.  They were blessed with three children; Summer Schaun Hollingsworth Barkley Nickels, Leslie Fayr Barkley, and Jaré Lyons Barkley, Jr. and his wife Becky, two grandchildren; Michael Nickels and his wife Daphne, and Hannah Barkley and five great grandchildren.

In l957 he served his country as an Air Force Captain at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK, and later was promoted to Major in the Air Force Reserves.  In 1961 Jaré completed his surgical residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. He was certified by the American Board of Surgery and became a Fellow of American College of Surgeons. He practiced general surgery at Gulfport Memorial Hospital and Garden Park Community Hospital where he served on its Board of Directors.  After retiring from private practice, Dr. Barkley worked as a physician at the United States Naval Home in Gulfport.

During his years on Earth, Jaré healed countless patients and forged timeless friendships. He considered himself an old-school doctor and was beloved by his patients and co-workers.  He dearly appreciated the gift of life and the beauty of nature. He had a keen sense of humor and when asked what kind of doctor he was, he’d often answer, “A damn good one!” before roaring with laughter.

In 1986 he and Mary Anne Johnston Rollins were married; he was a loving stepfather to Michael Rollins, Julie Rollins Garick, her husband Chris Garick, and grandsons Gregory Rollins, Reed Garick, and Jack Garick.  He said of his family “The continuing privilege of watching our children and grandchildren as they move along life’s way stations ... is wonderful.”

Jaré and Mary Anne enjoyed worship and fellowship at the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport where they were active members. Together they also enjoyed gardening, boating, traveling, entertaining and dancing.

Jaré was an avid swimmer, fisherman and accomplished golfer who scored four holes-in-one! He attended myriad golfing events and was especially proud to have personally attended 43 Masters Tournaments in Augusta, Georgia!

He was a member of the American and Mississippi Medical Associations, the Pass Christian Investors Club, Gulfport Yacht Club, local golf clubs, and the Pass Christian Krewe of Riff-Raff.

His wife, children and their families, a sister Janice Barkley Middleton, numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws, survive him.

Jaré remained resolute, principled and uncomplaining until the end.  Ever displaying his noted sense of humor, Jaré reflected on his life and said:  “It is satisfying being able to look at my career and bask in the pleasurable mediocrity of my life.  The disappointment of the human life cycle being entirely too short, our memories far exceed our expectations.”

Jaré’s sentiment was perhaps expressed best by the last line of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Visitation for Dr. Jaré Barkley will be at the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, Saturday, June 26, 3:00–4:00 PM; a celebration of life follows.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501.

Goodbye, Jaré, Jerry, Dr. Barkley, D.B., Dad, Grandpa, Ole Wolf, and Sweetheart!

May you forever enjoy the glory of heaven and God’s beautiful green golf courses.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi, is serving the family.