Caroline Rae Barker

Caroline Rae Barker, 63, of Pampa, was reunited with her heavenly family on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Pampa.

Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Josh Reeves, pastor of the Miami Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM, at the Plainview Cemetery in Plainview, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Caroline was born on August 19, 1961, in Matador, Texas, to Raymond and Dollie Barker. The family would move to Van Buren, Arkansas, where she would attend Van Buren High School. She lived in several places throughout her life but would finally settle in Pampa in the early 2000’s. Caroline held down several jobs over the years to provide for her family, but her proudest occupation was being a mother and eventually a grandmother.

Caroline was a very generous and kind woman but was known to stand her ground and could be a little stubborn. In her spare time, she enjoyed making crafts and watching the ID channel. She adored all her grandchildren and was always the loudest in the crowd during their sporting events.

Caroline especially loved volleyball and was even an “assistant coach” for her daughter Claudia at the Pampa Optimist and Youth Club. She loved keeping a garden of fruits and vegetables but was particularly fond of her tomato plants. Caroline will be remembered by her family as an excellent cook and always having expertly ironed pants.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandmother, Lou Watkins; a brother, Ricky Waldrip; and a sister, Tina Kirby.

Survivors include one daughter, Claudia Demeritt and husband J.D. of Pampa; two sons, Chris Torgersen and wife Danielle of Pampa, and Thomas Kirby of Pampa; nine grandchildren, Kaylee, Jada, Emma, Carter, Cheyenne, Jaysen, Christina, Justin Junior, and Wylie; three sisters; and one brother; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.