Friends of the late Dr. Mary Barker gathered recently to share memories of the former educator during a reception marking the donation of two dozen of Barker’s hats to Polly Claire’s tearoom. Barker, who died in June 2018, was known for her love of fashionable millinery and, at the time of her death, owned more than 100 hats, according to her husband, Jack Barker.
Dr. Barker began her 60-year career in education at Chattanooga High School then became dean of academic affairs at Cleveland State Community College, where the Humanities Building is named in her honor. She served as vice president of academic affairs at Chattanooga State Community College, then was an adjunct professor of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The invitation-only reception at Polly Claire’s grew from a conversation among friends of the Barkers, who put together a reception that was coordinated by Lonna Williams and hosted by Rashelle Stafford, owner of Polly Claire’s, who served a variety of finger foods and tea. The donated hats were displayed on antique doors at the reception and will remain at the tearoom for use by guests.