Lorraine Linette Barker, daughter of Lawrence R. Barker, Sr. (deceased) and Fannie B. Neil, was born May 12, 1951 in Richmond, Virginia. On Friday, December 16, 2011, God in his infinite wisdom, called her home.

Lorraine was educated in the Dinwiddie County Virginia School system (Mount Level Elementary School, Southside High School) and Dunbar High School, Washington, DC.

In the New York area, Lorraine worshipped at the Goodwill Baptist Church of Bronx, New York (1984-2004) and was currently in fellowship with the Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church in Mount Vernon, New York (2004-2011).

Lorraine worked as an Eligibility Specialist with the Department of Social Services in New York City with approximately 30 years of service. She was a mother to everyone and Nana to most. Her large heart allowed her to open up her home to many foster children. Lorraine enjoyed traveling, shopping, playing bid whist and spades. She was an exquisite and innovative cook and baker. Her most popular dishes were macaroni and cheese, fried fish and pineapple upside down cake. Lorraine also collected porcelain dolls and limited-edition Barbie dolls. She was an entrepreneur, having sold Stanley products for over 30 years. Lorraine was a long-time member and shop steward for Local 1549, District Council 37 and was an activist and board member for schools her children and grandchildren attended. Lorraine could often be quoted as saying “I am too blessed to be stressed”.

Lorraine leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Fannie B. Neil of Temple Hills, Maryland; her children, Katrina L. Barker-Chatman (Antwyn) of Harrisburg, Pa., Wathena V. Barker of Bronx, NY, Cardell E. Ray (Christy) of Connecticut, Torrie M. Barker (Danica) of Columbia, SC., Travis E. Barker of Columbia, SC., and Tysheba L. Barker of Harrisburg, Pa.; honorable mentioned sons, Tracey Junious, Clinton Clarke, and Gilbert Wade; her siblings, Lawrence R. Barker, Jr. (Robin) of Buffalo, NY, Brenda Meadows of Buffalo, NY, Anthony Barker (Sue) of Kansas City, Mo., Virginia Holt of Buffalo, NY, David Barker of Buffalo, NY, Ronald Cunningham (Jackie) of Forestville, Md., Bernard Coleman (Wahida) of Washington, DC., Aletha Cromartie (Maverick) of Hyattsville, Md., and Anita Barker of Buffalo,NY; her grandchildren, Shakiva S. Wade, Kaswana E. Wilson, Jhasson D. Ray, Hailee S. Ray, and Trinity A. Barker; godchildren, Barbara Smith, Shahidad Purdie, Jonathan Ward, Terrance Ward and Christina Rivera; uncle, Orlando Barker of Buffalo, NY; aunts, Doris Jones (Morris)of Petersburg, Va, Naomi Johnson of Petersburg, Va., Ruth Mitchell of Bronx, NY, Laura Johnson of Bronx, NY, Marion Johnson of Dewitt, Va., and Alice Johnson of Dinwiddie, Va; lifetime devoted friends, Larry “Scoop” Green, and Patricia Covington; a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Lorraine L. Barker will be held on Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 11:00am at the Chapel of J.L. Dodson & Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville, Avenue, Petersburg, Va. with Elder Vincent Harris officiating. Interment will follow at the Johnson Family Cemetery, Dewitt, Va.

Public viewing will be held from 10:00am to 11:00am on the day of the service. Family is asked to assemble at the residence of her aunt, Mrs. Marion Johnson, 18608 Hawkins Church Road, Dewitt, VA at 8:45am the day of the service.