Jennifer Lou Harker

Jennifer Lou Harker, daughter of the late Harold and Audrey (Middleton) Lawson, was born October 12, 1963, in Houston, Missouri, and passed away January 18, 2020, at her home in Mountain Grove, Missouri. She was 56 years, 3 months, and 6 days of age.

Jenny was evergreen. Even in her final years, she had the playful heart of a teenager and a faith that defied disease. Bright and beautiful as a wildflower, and free as the white-winged dove from her favorite Stevie Nicks song, she had no reservations – and no hesitation to soak up the love and laughter to be squeezed from every moment. Her devotion to her children and grandchildren was fierce and steadfast, and the fire she carried for her husband Kevin never dimmed. To her, any ordinary kitchen, fireside, or shotgun seat was a dance floor. Every song was a sing along. Every friend a dance partner, backup singer, or getaway driver.

Her home was almost always immaculate, and open 24/7 for family, old friends, and soon-to-be old friends. In her assuring way, she would inspire her guests to laugh mostly, cry occasionally, and share life together over a strong cup of coffee. She welcomed all prodigals with an open door and zero judgement, full of grace and genuine understanding. Her hands served the many guests at her table, gently held the precious cargo of grandkids, and only paused long enough for her to fold them in fervent prayer – her face scrunched with such conviction it seemed she had a direct line to God Himself.

In good health Jenny was a supernova – hilarious and spontaneous, supplying countless unforgettable memories from each ski trip, fish fry, off road weekend, family reunion, or holiday. In illness, she was a shining example of positivity – unfailing to point others to her faith, and unwavering in her belief that this body is simply a vessel to serve the Lord’s purpose. She believed with absolute certainty that when this life came to a close, she would be reunited in eternity with her parents and beloved brother Greg.

Her family is incredibly thankful for the time we were blessed with her.

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Audrey Lawson, and by one brother, Gregory Lawson.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Harker of Mountain Grove, Missouri, her three children, Seth Harker and his wife, Jaime, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Rachel Riggs and her husband, Zach, of Springfield, Missouri, and Aaron Harker of Mountain Grove, Missouri, one brother, Kerry Lawson and his wife, Marilyn, of Chestnutridge, Missouri, five grandchildren, Trace and Karsyn Harker, and Brody, Jett, and Roman Riggs, seven nephews and nieces, Jonathan Lawson and his wife Cassandra, Jordan Lawson and his wife, Nicole, Adam Harker and his wife, Trena, Anthony Ikemeier and his wife, Amy, Jeff Ikemeier and his wife, Angela, Acelyn Harker, and Alyson Johnston and her husband, Tony, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Joan Harker, her brother-in-law, Lyndell Harker and his wife, Darlene, her sister-in-law, Paulette Ikemeier and her husband, Eddie, and many other extended family and friends who will miss her.