A Celebration of Life service for Jamie M. Barkes Pursley, 35, Lawrence, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lawrence Free Methodist Church, with Pastor Jeff Armstrong of Bowling Green, Ky. officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Holiday Inn Holidome, 6th & Fairlawn, Topeka.
Jamie died Tuesday, Mar. 29, 2011, at her home, after a long battle with breast cancer.
She was born Dec. 11, 1975, in Topeka, the daughter of David M. and Kathy J. Knutson Barkes. She graduated from Shawnee Heights High School, and later from Kansas State University, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Jamie was a project manager for Flinthills Construction, a company owned by her family. She previously had worked at Ramada Inn in Topeka, Express Personnel in Topeka, and Modis Staffing Agency in Overland Park. She attended Free Methodist Church, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, shopping, tennis, photography, travel, and camping and boating. She maintained a website and conducted public speaking to raise awareness of breast cancer.
She married Aaron W. Pursley on Oct. 4, 2003, in Topeka. He survives of the home.
Other survivors include a daughter, Kayden Grace Pursley, of the home; a brother, Scott M. Barkes and fiancée Heather Frisbie, Kansas City, Mo.; and her parents, Tecumseh.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, or Ribbons in Pink Scholarship Fund for junior tennis players, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Kathy and David,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My mom let me know. You will be in my prayers.
Dr. Schneider and I want to let you know we are thinking of you all!!!! Jamie was an amazing young lady and such a good person. Everyday in our research for a cure, Jamie will be thought of. God Bless
I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Jamie, but heard so much about her courageous battle with cancer. I read her blog and realized what an amazing friend she must have been to those who shared her life. Someday Kayden will be able to read her mother’s blog and have those precious memories for years to come. Aaron, I hope you and Kayden can find peace and solace in knowing how much she loved you both, and how she continued to have faith in God. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Maggie Ferguson and Family
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family in this difficult time. God bless.
Although no words can help to ease your loss, just know that you are close in our every thought and prayer. Jamie was truly a courageous and inspirational person who touched so many lives….an angel walking among us. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Aaron we just want you to know we are thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers…..may the Lord bless you with wonderful memories of Jamie and know she is watching over you , the brightest star in the sky…….Dee, Russ , Julie and Chance….Rusty’s family
Our daughter, Kayla, is in Kayden’s class at Raintree. We were so sorry to hear about Jamie. We have your family in our thoughts and prayers.
We are both so very sorry to hear about the loss of Jamie. Your family is in our hearts and prayers at this time of loss. We pray that the love of friends and family sustains you during this difficult time.
Marsha and Esmond
Aaron & Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Kayden and all of Jamie’s family.
The Zanders Family
We send our love, thoughts and prayers to your family. We are so saddned by your loss.
Terry and Bev
My prayers is for God to bring you comfort healing and to put caring people in your life to bridge the time till you see each other again. I know He will honor this prayer and you’ll see blessing in the future.
Aaron & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jaime. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Peace, prayers, and blessings,
Donnie and Sarah
Our condolences to the family in these difficult times. Jamie was an extraordinary human being and an inspiration to everyone. We are all lucky to have been in her life.
Mark and Amy
I worked with Jamie’s mom (Kathy) at the State many years ago. I am so very sorry to hear about Jamie. You are such a wonderful family. I am so sorry you are having to endure this pain. I hope that you find comfort in the memories you have. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. – The Jones’
I was very fortunate to know Jamie through Shawnee Heights and cheerleading. She was an amazing person with an electric personality. Always smiling, up-beat and always willing to lend a helping hand if you needed one. She definitely made an impact on the lives of the people that were blessed to know her…she will be truly missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Deena Neill
Aaron and family,
We were all very sad to hear about Jamie’s passing. She has and will continue to be an inspiration to us and the countless others that knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Rest In Peace, Jamie.
Aaron and family. Your extended family in South Bend IN send our love and prayers. We never met Jamie but her journal was read via Kitty and on the pc. She was a very remarkable woman and I am sorry we never got to meet her. God bless and keep you all in his loving care. Marilyn Sellers
Aaron and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jamie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda
I never met Jamie, but I am a breast cancer survivor and we have mutual friends. I was diagnosed at 43 and also have children. I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Our pastor quoted Jamie’s blog today in a sermon he gave in Manhattan. Her words are living on and inspiring more people than you know. May God bless you and keep you as you grieve, yet celebrate that she is with God.
I am sorry to hear about Jamie. Your family is in my thoughts.
Sarah
To Jamie’s family,
I went to KSU with Jamie. I lived next door in the AXO house. We are both dear friends with Amy Benson, her Pi Phi sister. I’ve followed Jamies blog over the years and it has really moved me. When I become caught up in the daily race, I stop to think of what Jamie taught me. She reminds me that everyday that I have with my family and loved ones, is a precious one. She also taught me what true courage and grace are. She was a remarkable women, someone I aspire to be. She has touched more people than she probably every expected with the writings she shared. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Julie Roennigke – Watt