Virginia Theisen Barker

Virginia Lea Theisen Barker of Whitsett, North Carolina, died peacefully at home on August 18, 2026, after a brief decline in health. Virginia was born on February 20, 1939, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Richard Theisen and the late Pansy Theisen.

She was a graduate of Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia. During her first marriage, Virginia lived in the Hampton Roads area, New York, Spain and Alexandria, Virginia before moving to Danville, Virginia.

Virginia earned her B.S. from Stratford Women’s College. Additionally, she earned an A.A. degree in Childhood Development and Social Work. She was instrumental in the founding and management of the Learning Center at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia.

Virginia later moved to the Orlando, Florida area and worked in the fields of real estate and finance. After relocating to the Greensboro, North Carolina area, she worked in the fields of child care, sales, banking and apartment management.

She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association, National Association of Professional Sales Women, Piedmont Entrepreneurs Network and the Triad Delta Investment Group.

Virginia was vivacious, outgoing, warm and caring. It was through her interest in square dancing that she met the love of her life, Freddie Cleo Barker. They were married in 1993. They enjoyed 26 happy and loving years together. Cleo predeceased Virginia in 2019.

Virginia and Cleo made many close friends through their association with square dancing. The were recognized as Hall of Fame members for their service rendered to the Folk and Square Dance Federation of North Carolina.

At the time of her death, Virginia was an active member of Mt. Hope United Church of Christ. Her church family ws very important to her. Virginia was an active and devoted member of her church family, attending Sunday School and participating in Women’s Fellowship and WISE. She held a special place in her heart for the Out of the Garden Project, where she found great joy in helping provide food and support to those in need throughout the community.

Virginia was a talented crafter. She excelled at sewing, wreath making, and creating cards. She especially loved making gifts for her family and friends. She as an excellent cook and her grandchildren looked forward to receiving cookies from Grandma at Christmas.

In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was predeceased by her step-mother, Lillie Theisen; an infant daughter, Carolyn Lane Chaplin; a son, Donald Chaplin and his wife, Lynn Chaplin and her brothers, Richard “Roy” Theisen and Russ Theisen.

She is survived by her son, Richard Chaplin and his wife, Terrie, of Ringgold, Virginia and her daughter, Dianna Stone and her husband, Volney, of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Additionally, she is survived by her step-brother, Orlando Stone of Norfolk, Virginia; six grandchildren, Carolyn Bracey (Jason), Nicolette Brower, Michael Chaplin, Amber Ye (Wei), Amanda Chaplin Burkhart (Tom) and Jarod Chaplin; seven great grandchildren, Samanatha Woolard (Parker), Zander Dixon, Zaylee Dixon, Mei Ying Ye and Emily Ye, Kaitlyn and Lauren Bracey and one great great grandchild, Bentley Woolard.

Additional survivors include her step daughters and their spouses; Trinna Meek (Todd) and Dana Singletary (Jimmy); three step grandchildren, Rachel Wood (Tim), Rebecca Huddleston (Matthew) and Taylor Singletary and two step great grandchildren, Logan Wood, Payson Huddleston and one on the way.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00PM at Mt Hope United Church of Christ. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Virginia to Mt. Hope United Church of Christ, 2400 Mt. Hope Church Road, Whitsett, NC 27377.

You may send condolences to the family at www.lowefuneralhome.com