Essie J. (Smith) Barger

Mrs. Essie Jean Barger, 79, Branson, entered into rest on Dec. 22, 2018 at the Branson Cox Medical Center, Branson.  Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, 5 P.M. in the Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson. Private burial will be held at a later date.

Essie Jean Barger was born Jan. 5, 1939 in Notasulga, Ala.  She was the daughter of Clifford and Irene (Whitman) Smith. Essie Jean married Donald Barger. Essie Jean moved to the Branson area from Stone Mountain, Georgia.

She was a retired owner and operator of a pawn shop in Georgia.  Essie Jean enjoyed playing tennis when she was younger, knitting and spending time with her dog Katie Bell.  She attended the Bloom Church in Branson.  Essie Jean was a big supporter of “Ms. Keely” her great great granddaughter who is a gospel singer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Barger, and four sisters, an infant sister, Betsy Joyce Smith, Jackie Kirkland, Shirley Burnett and Kitty Rossa.

Essie Jean is survived by her daughter Pam Harnden, her son Paul Barger and wife Kimie all of Branson; one sister and her husband Sandra and Jimmy Stone of Birmingham, Ala.; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

If the donor chooses memorials may be sent to the Shephard of the Hills Humane Society, 2837 Shephard of the Hills Expressway, Branson, Mo. 65616.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Essie J. (Smith) Barger, please visit our floral store.