Obituaries

Michelle Barker, 40, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital following a short illness. She was born August 21, 1985, in Martinsville, Virginia, to Joy Brown Atkinson and the late Al Atkinson, Jr.

Michelle was of the Baptist faith and a member of Chatmoss Baptist Church. After graduating from Laurel Park High School, she attended Longwood University to follow her calling as a teacher. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in 2009, she began working for Henry County Public Schools where her passion for pouring into the lives of students was evident. Everyone who knew her remembers how she loved the holidays. Halloween and Christmas were her favorites and during the winter months, snowmen were a focal point. Summer months were filled with trips to the beach and leisure time at the pool. She loved softball and was very involved in her daughter Karli’s sporting events.

Whatever Michelle was doing, her kindness and love for others shown in everything she was involved in and with a non-judgmental attitude, she ensured everyone felt welcome in her circle. Michelle’s legacy of faith and love will forever be imprinted on the hearts of her family, friends, and colleagues.

She is survived by her mother, Joy Atkinson; daughter, Karli Barker (Logan Fontaine); brothers, Steven Atkinson (Tabitha) of Fuquay-Vanna, North Carolina, Gregory Atkinson (Ryan) of Morrisville, North Carolina; nephews, Cooper Atkinson, Conner Atkinson; niece, Charlotte Atkinson; aunt, Jean Kallam (Johnny); cousin, Dustin Kallam (Kimberly) and their child, Hunter Kallam; close cousins, Judy Cox and Tina Mazzurco (Sal) and their daughter, Bella and son, Gio; close family friend, Janis Scearce; long, childhood friend, Billie Griggs; close friends, Patsy Brown, Mandey Foster, Kelly Elizabeth, Angela Agee, Roan Odberg, Leigh Culligan; and numerous other close friends and co-workers.

A funeral will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.