Betty Flynt Barker

On Sunday – November 15, 2015, after several years of home care, at Sarah Care, and a few months at a ‘Care facility’, Betty Flynt Barker - with grace and dignity - completed her earthly journey – at home. Betty was born in Forsyth County to Ralph Allen and Mary Mounce Flynt on March 10, 1933. During the difficult depression years, ‘Betty Ann’ lived with her grandparents – Luther and Annie Elizabeth (Bessi) Mounce – until she was 12 years old [with early death of Bessi]. Betty then returned home and graduated from Old Town High School. Her parents, a sister – Roumell Daub, and two brothers Allen and DeWitt Flynt preceded her in death.

After a full and rewarding life, Betty is survived by her Husband, Kenneth Reece Barker (Raleigh); her daughters Elizabeth Owens and her husband Todd and children – Megan and Tyler (Cary) and Nicole Scoggins and her husband Troy and children - Drew and Cole (Cary); her sister Alice Adams of Bethania; her brothers Jimmy Flynt and his wife Anne (Sandy Ridge, NC); and George Flynt and his wife Betty (Richmond, VA).

Betty Barker initially worked at Reynolds Tobacco [in production and as a “Guide” for Plant visitors]. Upon her marriage to Kenneth Barker in 1958, - and on a 1959 North Carolina Winter day 65 F, they moved to Madison, Wisconsin – where it was 32 degrees below ZERO a week later. While there, she worked with Demco Library Supply. In March1966, Betty and Kenneth ‘came home again’ – as he assumed a position as an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University.

Betty soon became a ‘stay-at-home mom’, nurturing their two young daughters – Elizabeth, born in 1967 and Nicole in 1970. After her daughters grew up and enrolled at N. C. State, Betty worked as a part-time food-quality analyst in Food Science at NCSU. In addition, she frequently co-hosted many prospective students and scientists during their visits to N. C. State as well as periodic functions for Nematology graduate students and faculty.

In addition to her parenting, Betty later enjoyed giving much TLC to her four grandchildren [Megan, Drew, Tyler and Cole]. She also did extensive volunteer work for the elderly via a long-term work with “Meals on Wheels” and maintained her life-long commitment the Moravian Church.

Sports added much to Betty’s life. While in Madison, WI, she learned to enjoy “ice fishing” on Lake Mendota – after drilling 3-foot access holes through the ice. And she attended UW football games, often at minus 10 F, sometimes wrapping herself in a sleeping bag. During her almost 5 decades in Raleigh, attending NCSU Football and Basketball games was always a high priority. In addition, Betty enjoyed playing golf. She was an automobile enthusiast. Her first car was a new Plymouth, followed by a huge, Canary-yellow Cadillac convertible. As a young lady, her major sin was a rather heavy foot.

Betty was a World Traveler. She toured the majority of the States in the USA- Including Hawaii. While a young mother, she – with Liz and Nicole (and Ken) spent 6 weeks in Brazil – following an earlier stay in Venezuelan. Subsequent excursions included Israel – A LIFTIME HIGHLIGHT, the UK (with 8-month-old Megan, Liz, Todd & Ken), France, Belgium, Scotland and The Netherlands (with Nicole, Liz & “KRB”), Spain, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Canada. After Kenneth’s retirement, her near endless trips involved Disney World, Cruises to the Caribbean, Belize, Grand Turks – with her children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and KRB.

In recent years, Betty battled a number of health issues- including colon cancer, thyroid and heart issues, and that monster Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, she survived that ‘C” demon, but battled the latter for years. Even with that affliction, she continued to exhibit her kind and gentle personality - and with only limited discomfort – until recently. She especially enjoyed her dog “Cookie Monster”- by her side to the end - and a lot of sleep time.

Following a family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, Betty’s Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 pm - Wednesday, November 18 – at Raleigh Moravian Church - followed by a reception of friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Raleigh Moravian or Bethania Moravian Churches or Transitions LifeCare (Hospice of Wake County) are encouraged.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh. Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com.