Shirley Sealey Barker, 92, died on May 19, 2023. Born in 1931 in Greensboro, NC to Thomas S. Barker, Sr. and Alma Sealey Barker, Shirley moved with her family to Cradock, VA when she was in the 2nd grade. After graduating from high school, she attended Meredith College for two years, studying music. Although she entered the field of nursing, music would remain one of her lifelong passions.

She earned a Diploma in Nursing at Norfolk General Hospital in 1953 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baylor University in 1956.  In addition to graduate studies in nursing at Emory University, Shirley was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1982.

Shirley served on active duty in the Army Nurse Corps from May 1957 to October 1971.  While on active duty she was stationed at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, Kentucky and also served in Army hospitals in France, Japan, and Ethiopia.  Her foreign postings led to a lifelong interest in travel.   In 1972 she entered the US Army Reserves, retiring in 1983 at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

In the 1980's Shirley returned to Cradock to care for her mother.  For the remainder of her life, she was an active member of Cradock Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and ministering to the church's special needs members.  She also indulged her passion for music by singing with the Singing Beez and playing the piano.

A proud military veteran, Shirley was an active member of the Portsmouth Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, serving in a variety of leadership positions for over 20 years, including President, Legal Representative, and Hospitality Co-Chair.

She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas S. Barker, Sr. and Alma Sealey Barker, her brother, Thomas S. Barker, Jr. and a special sister-in-law, Sabra B. Barker.  Survivors include her nephews Albert (Mary), William (Leigh), and Charles, and their extended families as well as a host of Sealey and Barker cousins.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 8, 2023 starting at 11 AM, funeral following at 12 PM with military honors at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News. Burial will be at 2 PM at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2700 Parish Avenue, Newport News.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cradock Baptist Church, PAC/MOAA or a charity of your choosing.