1940
2018
SANDY RUN Linda McCumbee Barker, beloved pastor's wife to Larry Dean Barker Sr., devoted mother of three children, and cherished Grandmother to her seven grandchildren, transitioned into eternity in heaven on Monday, January 22, 2018, at her home in Sandy Run, surrounded by family.
Linda was born in Rockingham, North Carolina on October 25, 1940. She grew up in Rockingham and graduated from Rohanen High School and studied at Wingate University. She was always outgoing, loved by all, and a friend to everyone. She loved playing outdoors with her brothers, as well as playing on the basketball team. She participated in pageants and was crowned Miss Hamlet, Miss Monroe and more. Not only was she beautiful on the outside, she was even more beautiful on the inside.
God brought Larry and Linda together in 1960 when they met at Wingate University, and they were unified in marriage in May 1961. Linda was Pastor Larry's life partner, and they were called by God as a team at churches located throughout South Carolina. She was an integral part of their ministry, and their work through the years would have been impossible without her faithful encouragement and support. Countless children and families have been impacted by her service in women's and children's ministries. Linda was a beautiful picture of a wife of noble character, clothed with strength and dignity, and a woman who can laugh at the future because her trust is in the Lord, a true Proverbs 31 woman. As her children began families of their own, Linda served as an Office Manager for Dr. Frank Hart and Son, Dentists.
Linda is survived by her husband, Larry D. Barker Sr.; her three children and their families, daughter, Allison H. Keller, (husband Phillip, child Heather A. Harding), daughter, Belena B. "Beth" Killoy, (husband Michael, children Caitlin & Kelby), son, L. Dean Barker Jr., (wife, Michelle "Shellie", children Caleb, Josiah, Noah and Isabelle; mother figure to Ivan Todd McCumbee and Shamain McCumbee Lill; and brothers, Homer "Buddy" McCumbee and Terrence "Terry" McCumbee. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Weldon and Beatrice Langley McCumbee.
The family is grateful to Hospice for taking such good care of her recently and to Dunbar Funeral Home.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Grandview Baptist Church, 10981 Garners Ferry Road, Eastover, SC. Family and friends will gather at the church for the viewing and visitation at Noon to 2:00 p.m., just prior to the celebration of life service. A graveside gathering at Mt. Elon Church, 718 S-40-935, Hopkins, S.C. 29061 will follow the service for all those who would like to attend. Out of town friends and family will gather at Grandview Baptist Church following the graveside service to share in fellowship as we remember Linda. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Linda to Grandview Baptist Church at the address shown above.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.
January 29, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."
January 29, 2018
Friend
Rosie Sears
Larry and family, Linda was great she will be missed a lot! I enjoyed working with her at Dr. Harts and our lunches after retirement. She had a good sense of humor and a sweet personality. You have a lovely family , I hope you'll find comfort in each other. Love to all Rosie Sears
January 29, 2018
Sheila Coleman
Larry, Beth, Dean, Heather and the rest of the family I send my condolences. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I was shocked when I heard the news! I'm so glad I got to see her a few weeks ago,Linda meant the world to me. I often referred to her as my second mother. Linda was a kind loving person and she will certainly be missed! Love to all!
January 27, 2018
Larry, I worked with Linda at the Devine St. Office. What a caring person she was. I'm so sorry we lost touch. That's life, I guess. She was one of my favorite people. I'm so sorry for your loss. You did a beautiful job of remoking my auto garage into a play room. What a beautiful job you did for us. Please know you are in my prayers. I know what you are going through. I just buried my husband 1/21/18. I share your grief. Love to your family Barbara Fowler
January 26, 2018
Harold Jayroe
Larry, I am so sorry to read of your dear wife's passing. May God continue to bless you with the wonderful memories you cherish of Linda. My prayers are with you and your family.
Harold Jayroe
January 25, 2018
Cyrus Frakes
Beth, Mr. Barker and Family. We will miss this great lady Tremendously. Growing up with Beth she was always a great influence on me. We love you and and we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Cyrus (Gary)
January 25, 2018
Linda James Sweat
Rev. Barker, I am so very sorry to read of your wife's passing. You will be in my prayers during this difficult time. I know she will be missed.
January 25, 2018
Mayhee West
Larry and family, many years since our paths crossed at New Hope but have thought many times of you. Linda was a very special person and know she will truly be missed by all. Our prayers are with you during this time in your life.
January 25, 2018
Jamie White
Larry, Alison, Beth, and Dean, you are in my prayers. I have always remembered Linda for her quiet grace and dignity and her genuine humility. While it has been many years since our paths have crossed, I hold the entire Barker family in great esteem and cherish many fond memories of you all. May God grant you peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.
January 24, 2018
a loved one
January 24, 2018
Evelyn Mullen
To Larry, children, and grandchildren- your memories and lives are Linda's splendid legacy. Linda's life enriched alla beautiful friend who graced us with her gentle loving spirit. Linda carried forward a good and loving life in the face of life's challenges. All of us have been blessed by her presence. Thank you, Linda.
January 24, 2018
Debbie & Terry Wells
Larry, so sorry to hear about Linda. We had no idea that she was sick. We just heard about her being in the hospital on Sunday. Linda was such a special lady and had a wonderful personality. We had some great times together at Grandview with your family. You are in our prayers.
With our love & sympathy!
January 23, 2018
Boyd Brigman
I went to High School in Rockingham North Carolina with Linda and shared a lot of good memories of her. She was the most beautiful girl in so many ways. Wonderful member of the "Dixie Bells" basketball team. Chosen Miss Torch (!959 school Annual).I don't have words to describe how special she was but I will always remember her.
January 23, 2018
Larry, you know that all of you are in my prayers. Linda was a very special lady. you were blessed to have her for so long. She is now in heaven and she can visit with John and Olin.
Norma Spivey
January 23, 2018
Friend
Keith Spivey
Mrs. Barker was such a beautiful soul and was like family to me growing up. I'll cherish the memories of the times our families spent together on vacations and mission trips. I pray that the Lord surrounds your family with peace and love during this time.
With much love, Keith.
January 23, 2018
Nicole Spivey
Larry, you and Linda have been so close to my family for years, y'all may as well have been family yourselves. I know this is a hard time. We will be praying for you and the family. If you need anything you know all the Spivey's are here for you. Linda was a very special, kind and loving woman. She will truly be missed very much! I'm so glad y'all started coming back to Grandview so I could see you both again. I love you both ❤
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