Virginia Barber

Virginia Katherine Turner Barber passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, after a period of declining health. She was 89 years old. Virginia was a loving mother, loyal and dutiful wife, and a hard-working and dedicated employee who put the needs of others above her own. Prior to her retirement, she worked as an upholstery seamstress and quality control inspector. Past employers include C.R.  Laine Upholstery and Maxwell Royal Furniture company. Before that, she worked other jobs in the furniture and hosiery industries. Born in Bassett, Virginia, Virginia was the daughter of the late Noel Addison Turner and Martha Mason Turner. She is preceded in death by sisters Annie Turner Lusk, Mary Turner Lusk, Eva Turner Barbour, and brothers Frank Turner and George Turner, and infant son, Joel Barber. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Nile E. Barber; son and daughter-in-law, Ivey Logan Barber III and Debbie Barber, and daughter and son-in-law Karen Barber Lands and Michael Lands; grandchildren Jonathan Barber, Clay Barber and Ashley Delozier and families, and Emily Lands, and by great-grandchildren Guy DeLozier and Penelope Barber. In addition to spending time with her family, Virginia’s passion before her health began declining were reading,  gardening, and taking care of her plants and flowers at her home. She also volunteered her gardening skills at her church, Sweetwater Presbyterian Church, helping plant flowers on the church grounds. She also helped with the children’s ministry at her church. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:30am  Saturday January 27, 2018 at Sweetwater Presbyterian Church in Hickory. The family will have a receiving of friends 10:30-11:30 AM Saturday January 27, 2018 at the Church.   Memorials may be sent to Sweetwater Presbyterin Church, 500 21st St. SE, Hickory NC 28602. Please sign the online guestbook at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Barber family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.