Cooke, Barbara Lee Sherman

Barbara Lee Sherman Cooke of Floyd, Va., died June 24, 2009, at her home in Floyd. Born Feb. 13, 1928, at her home in Claiborne, to the late Ethel Harrison Sherman and B. Frank Sherman Barbara, she was the beloved wife of the late Richard Kissam Cooke. They were married 60 years.

Barbara was a gentle supporter and source of strength for her entire family and was loved by all who knew her. Her kindness and wit endeared her to everyone she met.

An English major at the University of Maryland, Barbara also worked as a secretary for the National Academy of Science and later owned and operated a gift store in Leesburg, Va. She enjoyed flowers, science, history and animals.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Cassandra Cooke, Circe Cooke and Cybele Lane; sons-in-law, David DeHoff and George A. Lane; grandchildren, Tommy and Allison DeHoff, Will and Katie Lane; sister, Margaret Bryan; and nephews, Chris (and wife Linda) Bryan, Mark (and wife Susan) Bryan, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, make contributions to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, Fla.