Mary P. Barker
Sylva - Mary Elizabeth Parris Barker, 74, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
Mary was an only child of the late Albert Jackson and Della Wykle Parris. She lived most of her life in Jackson County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years ,Doyle Barker, who died in 1995. She graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree. Mary retired from Area Agency on Aging in Sylva with 39 years of service where she fought for many services for the elderly. She was a dedicated member of Old Savannah Baptist Church which she loved dearly. Mary was a hard working woman who raised her children by herself since her husband's death. She loved her Lord most of all but her family and church was a close second.
She is survived by a son, John Barker (Nikki) of Haywood County; an adopted son, Shane Smith (Ople) of Cullowhee; a daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Cope (Dustin) of Sylva; an adopted daughter, Stevie Bradley (Richard) of Whittier; twelve grandchildren, Matt, Amber, Trevor, Blair, Elsie, Ashton, Austin, Joe, Riley, Rylee, E.J., and Carson; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Old Savannah Baptist Church with Pastor Austin Frady, Preacher Eddie Stillwell, and Preacher Matt Nations officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.