Elsie Pauline Parks Barker

Mrs. Elsie Pauline Parks Barker, age 100, of Elkin, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at PruittHealth-Elkin. She was born on February 25, 1926, in Wilkes County to Ed and Pearl Byrd Parks.

Pauline was a lifelong member of Oak Level Baptist Church and a forty-plus-year employee of Chatham Manufacturing Company. She was a wonderful mother and Nanny who found her greatest joy in being surrounded by family. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she delighted in cooking and trying new recipes, always happiest when her loved ones gathered around her table to share a meal. She had a flair for elegance, loving to dress up and wear beautiful jewelry, yet it was her warm, ever-present smile that truly lit up every room. Pauline's love for her family shone through everything she did, and her memory will live on in the countless moments of warmth and connection she created.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Barker.

Survivors include: sons, Don Barker and wife Libby of Rocky Mount, VA and Greg Barker and wife Sherry of Roaring River; daughter, Pamela Blackburn of Elkin; grandchildren, Zach Barker and wife Jessica of Miramar Beach, FL, Courtney Leuenberger and husband Rene of Oberrveden, Switzerland, Meghan Barker of North Wilkesboro, and Maria Poplin and husband Trent of Elkin; great-grandchildren, Eli, Lucy, and Noah Leuenberger, and Max Poplin

A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Oak Level Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Matty Ponce-de-Leon officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Level Baptist Church, 5887 Austin Little Mountain Road, Roaring River, NC 28669.

The family would like to thank the staff of PruittHealth-Elkin for their excellent care.