Brenda Elizabeth Hutchinson Barker

Ms. Brenda Elizabeth Hutchinson Barker, 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 11, 2026, with her daughter by her side. Brenda had bravely battled a long illness with grace and quiet strength.

Brenda was born January 26, 1942, in Springfield, La to the late Huntley Robert Hutchinson and Alice Elizabeth Perrin Hutchinson. She was the oldest of 6 six children and grew up in rural Springfield, LA.

She graduated Springfield High School in 1960; and was a graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University with a BA in secretarial science in 1964, she was involved with numerous clubs and basketball.

She married Rusty Barker in 1971. Worked 30 Years in secretarial bookkeeping before retiring to Franklin, NC in 2006 where she enjoyed exploring the beautiful sites and WNC with her loving husband Rusty.

She was known to all as a kindhearted, compassionate, and strong lady. Some of her favorite things to do was spending time with her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and flower gardening.

Survivors include her daughter, Kristi Barker Cotter of Franklin, NC ; grandchildren, Westley Cotter of Franklin, NC, Noel Cotter Paulling and husband Ryan of Micanopy, Fl, and Oliver Cotter of Franklin, NC; great-grandchildren, Victoria, Meredith, and Aiden Paulling; four siblings, Bobby Hutchinson (Neva), Glenn Hutchinson (Lana), Tommy Hutchinson (Susan), and Dale Hutchinson; a sister-in-law, Joyce Barker Warren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Rusty Barker, as well as her brother Ronnie Hutchinson, and his wife Peggy.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Harry McKneely & Son in Ponchatoula, LA from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Carter's Cemetery, Springfield, LA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in memory to Brenda to the Four Seasons Hospice 211 Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Online condolences can be sent to www.bryantfuneralhome.com or www.harrymckneely.com.