Roylyn Rita Barber

Roylyn Rita (Barbier) Barber, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. She was born on July 23, 1939, in Marrero, Louisiana, to the late Rita Carbo Coker.

Roylyn was a woman of unmistakable spirit, often described as a "firecracker," a "raging Cajun," and "little but feisty." She lived life unapologetically her way, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her life was rooted in faith, family, and her love for God.

An avid bowler, Roylyn bowled faithfully for 66 years and was a proud member of the Hohenwald bowling team known as The Golden Girls. Among her teammates, she earned the nickname "Sophia," after the beloved Golden Girls character, as her quick wit and spitfire personality perfectly matched that of her namesake.

In 1984, Roylyn relocated from Louisiana to Hohenwald, Tennessee, to be closer to her husband's family, whom she loved as her own. She especially cherished weekly Sunday dinners at her brother-in-law's home, a tradition she greatly enjoyed.

Roylyn also loved to craft and create special items for her family, always giving from the heart. Even at the age of 86, she remained a devoted volunteer at the Lewis County Senior Center, where she could be found whenever the doors were open. She was blessed with a treasured friendship in her best friend and loyal sidekick, Betty Collins.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Mike) Harden of Tellico Plains, Tennessee; her son, Gary Lee Verdin of Meridian, Mississippi; her stepson, Douglas (Vicki) Barber, Jr.; her stepdaughter-in-law, Gina Barber; her brothers, John Coker, Sr., Ricky (Joy) Coker, Jerry Coker, and Jody Coker; brother-in-law Donnie Barber; sister-in-law Kathy (Bill) Sharp; sister-in-law LaQuita (CW) Carroll; ten grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, with another expected; and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Roylyn was preceded in death by her stepfather, Jewel Ray Coker; her husband, Douglas Barber, Sr.; her sons, Allen James Verdin and Robert Noel Verdin; and her stepson, Tony "Pineapple" Barber.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, January 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow immediately at Lewis County Memorial Gardens.