Mrs. Betty Lou Cook Barker, age 86, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Bristol, TN. Betty was born in Russell County, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Thomas Boyd Barker; her parents, John Ivory Cook and Bertha “Bee” Wilson Cook; and son, Michael Thomas Barker.

Betty graduated with honors from Honaker High School in 1956. She played varsity basketball, was a member of the Beta Club, and was on the yearbook staff. She married her high school sweetheart, Tom, in 1955, who was already serving in the Air Force. She finished high school and joined him after graduating. They spent the next 18 1/2 years in the service, traveling the world, which included 3 years in Japan. During that time, she worked for several government agencies as a civil servant. They retired from military life and moved back to their hometown of Honaker, VA, in 1974, where she and Tom were members of Swords Creek Community Baptist Church.  They later moved to Abingdon and became members of Damascus Road Baptist Church. Betty spent the next 15 years working for the Social Security Administration in Bristol, VA, before retiring in 1990. After retirement, she enjoyed many activities, which included stained glass, traveling with friends, volunteering at food pantries, “treasure hunting” at thrift stores, playing Scrabble and Pinochle, and enjoying time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family was her world!

She is survived by her son, John Timothy Barker, and wife, Joyce, of Bristol, VA; daughter, Lisa Barker Buchanan, and husband, James, of Newton, NC; brothers, John Dennis Cook of San Bernardino, CA, and James Larry Cook of Abingdon, VA; her sister, Christina Cook Boggio, and husband, Joseph, of Crossville, TN; eight grandchildren, Joey Barker, Brooke Compton, Brittini Graziano, JT Buchanan, Tommy Barker, Lauren Buchanan, Kelly Ross, and Donnie Ascue; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; too many friends to name; and her beloved cat, Jonna Kay, who stayed by her side until her last breath.

The family would like to thank the staff at American House in Bristol, TN, for the care they provided over the past 2 years.

Visitation with the family will be held 12:00–1:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, in the Main Street location of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Arnold King officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Park, Lebanon, VA. Pallbearers will be Joey Barker, JT Buchanan, Thomas Barker, Frank Compton, Charlie Compton, and Donnie Ascue. Honorary pallbearers will be Gage Graziano, Camden Graziano, James D. Buchanan, and Mikey Barker.

The family of Betty Lou Cook Barker is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.