Eleanor Marjorie Stout Barker

Eleanor Marjorie Stout Barker, formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away April 25, 2018, at Foothills Presbyterian Community in Easley, S.C.
 
Mrs. Barker was born Feb. 18, 1924, in Fitchburg, Mass., to the late George and Marion Stout. She grew up in Fitchburg; Birmingham, Ala.; and Brooklyn, N.Y. After earning a degree in psychology from Maryville College and working in New York City, she married the late Rev. Donald L. Barker, whom she met at Maryville College.

She worked as a switchboard operator early in life, and her husband nicknamed her "Myrt," the name of the switchboard operator on the radio show "Fibber McGee and Molly."

She supported her husband in his ministry in rural southeastern Illinois; White Pine and Dandridge, Tenn.; North Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville; Vincennes, Ind.; Little Rock. Ark.; and Kirk Hills Presbyterian in east Knoxville. Mrs. Barker later was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and Easley Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Barker taught elementary school in Knoxville while raising four sons and was an administrator for the Presbytery of Arkansas. The Barkers also opened their home to several teenagers, serving as foster parents or legal guardians.

After retiring, she volunteered for several organizations in Knoxville, including Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, which in 2013 honored her as Volunteer of the Year. Mrs. Barker also was an avid flower gardener and skilled Rummikub player.
 
Family survivors include her sister, Catherine Beals of Knoxville; sons and daughters-in-law: Sen. George and Jane Barker of Virginia, Paul Christopher Barker of Atlanta, Phil and Sue Barker of Easley, S.C., David Barker of Charlotte; grandchildren and spouses: Erik and Mahjooba Bianchi, Emily Barker and Jeff  Maxim, Lindsey Barker and Mark Dolgin, Erin and Matthew Lundy and Brad Barker; nephews: Jack and Scott Wilson, Joe and Brent Beals and Steve, Dan, Jim and Fred Barker; niece: Nancy Wilson; great-grandchildren: Rehana, Enzo and Aleeza Bianchi and Lily Dolgin.

In addition to her husband, Donald Barker, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marion Wilson; sister-in-law, Kiyoko Barker; and brothers-in-law the Rev. Dr. Stanton Wilson, Dr. Joe Beals of Knoxville and the Rev. Robert Barker of Japan.
 
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. May 5 at Easley Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity (knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com) or Maryville College (maryvillecollege.edu/giving).

Condolences may be expressed online at www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com , or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown Easley which is assisting the family.