Shelby Griffin Barker,

Shelby Griffin Barker, age 75 of Lenoir passed away at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley on Wednesday morning, January 4.  She was born in Caldwell County October 23, 1936 to the late Guy and Beatrice Harris Griffin. Besides her parents, those that have preceded Mrs. Barker in death are two husbands, Jimmy W. Richards, Norman Barker; one brother Gary “Greasy” Griffin; one infant son Mark Stephen Richards, and one step-daughter Melody Parsons.  Those left to cherish her memories are two daughters:  Janice Matthews and husband Bill of Taylorsville, and Sherry Diamond and husband Chris of Bethlehem; one son Michael Richards and wife Betsy of Lenoir; two stepsons Steve Barker and Stanley Barker; her granddaughter Angela Johnson whom she raised from birth plus six other grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters Glenda Chandler and husband Bill of Hudson, and Juanita “Dean” Drum of Maiden.  She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends Friday evening January 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Oxford Memorial Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with the Funeral Service to be held on Saturday, January 7 at 1:00 pm at Oxford Memorial Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Rev. Ronnie Miller will officiate.  Pallbearers will be Quincy Matthews, Tony Johnson, Alex Johnson, Scottie Williams, Ethan Windsor, Wayne Walker, and Cody McCarraher.  Memorials may be forwarded to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley @ 2975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC  28658.  Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral & Cremation Service.