Brenda Lee "Meme" Barker Swim

Brenda Lee Swim “Meme”, 82, passed away April 12, 2024, with her family by her side.

She was born to the late Helen and Haven Barker, April 10, 1942, in Roanoke, Virginia.  She attended Jefferson High School in Roanoke, Virginia.

She married the late Ron Swim on February 1, 1992.  During their marriage they lived in Roanoke, VA; Elizabethton, TN; Ft. Worth, TX; eventually settling in Wirtz, VA for the past 27 years.  Brenda is survived by three children:  Sherry (Lavis) Freeman, Bryce Freeman, and Angela Barker.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; and special friends, Angie and Paul Routt, Kathy and Dee Thacker.  Brenda was predeceased by her loving husband in 2011, Ron Swim; parents, Helen & Haven Barker; daughter, Deb Hendrick; brothers, Carl & Larry Barker, and a grandson, Shaune Freeman. 

Brenda was an accomplished baker and cook.  Her coleslaw and “Meme Mix” (Chex Party Mix) were among her most requested dishes.   She passed her love of cooking to all her children.  And when she wasn’t cooking, she was in her recliner with a good book!  She loved her many trips with Angela and going to Solomons with her bestie Kathy.  Brenda was immensely proud of her family and leaves nothing but beautiful memories.   She was a Christian and loved her Church family at Rocky Mount Church of God. Brenda relished the time she spent, and friends made while volunteering at the God's Provision Food Pantry.

Brenda was a Manager at K & W Cafeteria for over 20 years. And retired from the Kroger at Westlake in 2014.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home with Pastor's Travis Gore and Robert Meredith officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11 AM until service time.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the COPD Foundation.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.