Born in San Francisco on August 9, 1954, Marsia lived a life full of love, purpose, and quiet strength. She was a devoted wife, mother of six, and grandmother to eleven. She had two children from her first marriage, lovingly welcomed three more when she remarried, and together they had one more child. Her blended family was her greatest joy, and she loved each child deeply and equally.
Marsia spent her career caring for others. She worked as a nurse, became a nurse manager, and later served as an oncology coordinator. She was respected for her compassion, steadiness, and deep commitment to those in her care.
She loved dancing, swimming, reading science fiction, solving puzzles, and tending to her flower garden. She had a playful spirit and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She cherished her Kokopelli figures, enjoyed fruit and cheese with a light cocktail on weekends with her husband, and was rarely seen without her cozy jacket, always preferring to stay bundled up. She also had a special fondness for her chickens, whom she cared for with the same gentle dedication she gave everything else. They brought her joy, laughter, and a little bit of mischief, and she loved each one.
Marsia showed love through action more than words. She made people feel safe, cared for, and seen. Her kindness and calm presence will never be forgotten.
Marsia is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Alicia McAtee.
She is survived by her husband, Wardell Barker III, her sister, Celia Busby (Gary Busby and three children); her children, Mariah Stasa (Dylan Stasa and two children), Cinjon Yeo, Ryan Yeo (Kayllee Yeo and three children), Wardell Barker IV (two children), Yolanda Barker (two children) and Sharise Barker (two children). She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends, all of whom will cherish her memory.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, 1309 East Mesquite Lane, Victoria, Texas 77901 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Rosary will begin at 1:30 PM and funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM. Following the service, a procession will be held to Memorial Park, located at 2201 North Main Street, Victoria, Texas 77901, for the burial. Honoring her by serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Yeo, Dylan Stasa, and Luis Rivera.
Marsia loved flowers and plants and found joy and peace in her garden. If you would like to send a tribute, consider sending a plant so that her memory may continue to grow and live on through the generations. All deliveries can be sent by Thursday, July 12th, to 1801 East Red River Street, Victoria, Texas 77901.
To celebrate Marsia’s vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged, but not expected, to wear bright and warm colors that reflect the joy and warmth she brought to everyone’s lives.
Marsia will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
