Barbara Lee Sherman Cooke

Barbara Lee Sherman Cooke, of Floyd, Va., was born at her home in Claiborne, Md., on February 13, 1928, to the late Ethel Harrison Sherman and B. Frank Sherman. She died at her home in Floyd on June 24, 2009. Barbara 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 her 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; nephews, Chris and wife, Linda, Bryan, Mark and wife, Susan, Bryan, and their families. Barbara's family is deeply grateful to Mary Austin, Cheryle Barrett, Helen Ayers, Marie Lester, and Carilion Hospice for their compassionate care. Arrangements by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, the Alzheimer's Association, or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.