Velva Otealier Barker

Velva Otealier Barker, 92, of 298 Justice Ridge Road, died Saturday, February 25, 2017, at her home. A daughter of the late Arthur and Minnie Lindsay Barker, she was born in Swain County and lived in Bryson City until 1984 when she moved to Candler, NC. Velva worked as secretary for the Dept. of Transportation in Bryson City for close to 30 years. A member of First Baptist in Bryson City, she was a faithful choir member and found great joy in working with children and youth. After moving to Candler, she became a member of West Asheville Baptist. An avid reader, she enjoyed life and loved her family dearly. Surviving is her niece Deborah Davis of the home and long time family friends Vivian Hartsoe, Morgan Keyes, Karen Johnson and the James Johnson family, Terry Cayce Freeman and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. A funeral service will be held at the chapel of Forest Lawn Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday with the Revs. Daniel Dockery and Larry Barker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.