Rebecca Lacks Barker

Rebecca Lacks Barker, 62, of Keysville, Virginia, passed away at her home on April 3, 2026. She was born on January 14, 1964, to Barbara C. Lacks and the late Manuel C. Lacks.

Rebecca was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to so many. She shared forty-two beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Pastor Dewey Lee Barker, whom she married in 1983.

She is survived by her mother, Barbara C. Lacks; her husband, Pastor Dewey Lee Barker; her children, Leslie Perkins (Sam) of Keysville and Joshua Barker of Keysville; and her beloved grandchildren, Dustin, Chase, Grace, and Faith Perkins all of Keysville. She is also survived by her sisters, Lisa Barker and Melissa Sherrill, both of Keysville.

Rebecca leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews: Kaylin Upton (Nathan) of Boydton, Alexander Barker of Richmond, Trey Sherrill of Keysville, Kelsey Grainger of Richmond, Maci Hernandez (Salvador) of Keysville, Jacob Barker of Richmond, and Weylyn Sherrill of Keysville. She also adored her great-nephews Bryson and Cruz, along with a precious baby niece on the way.

She is further survived by her father-in-law, Dewey McKinley Barker, and her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Donald Barker (Tammy) of Keysville, Dennis Barker (Lola) of Drakes Branch, and Diann Tharpe (Perry) of Drakes Branch.

In addition to her father, Rebecca was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Charlotte Scott Barker, as well as her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Rebecca dedicated much of her life to caring for others. After marrying the love of her life, she began working at Roses in Farmville, where she spent many years. She later worked as a cook at Southside Virginia Community College in Keysville, where she was known and loved for her cooking. Her final job was at Kidz Korner Daycare in Keysville where countless children came to know and love her as “Bec Bec.” Even after leaving the daycare, she continued caring for children in her home for many years until her health led her to retire.

Rebecca had a heart for people. She loved to shop, loved to talk, and truly never met a stranger. Her kindness, warmth, and ability to make everyone feel welcome will be remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Community Gospel Church, Keysville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment will be private in the family cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Community Gospel Church, c/o Leslie Perkins, 716 Eureka Mill Road, Keysville, VA 23947. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.