Cooksville – Sharon Barker, 81, of Cooksville, passed away peacefully at home at 3:10 pm, on August 2, 2026.

A graveside will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, August 7, 2026, at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm, Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice of charity.

Sharon was born December 20, 1944, in Bloomington, the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy Sacry Caldwell.

Sharon started school at Cooksville Grade School, then graduated from Octavia High School. She married her high school sweetheart Charles Barker on June 1, 1963, in Rock Island.

She worked as a waitress at Arnie’s and customer service at K’s Merchandise.

Sharon and Chuck raised Dorset and Shropshire Sheep, showing at many fairs. She was also a huge supporter of Chuck while he raced stock cars at Fairbury and Farmer City racetracks. A tradition that their son and grandsons have continued. Sharon also participated in the American Passion Play with her family while growing up.

Sharon is survived by her son, Terry (Teresa) Barker of Cooksville; grandchildren, Matt (Ruthy) Barker, Stephanie and Kelli Richards, and Kyle Barker; great-grandchildren and one due in September; one brother, Bill Caldwell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Carmen and Shelia; and two sisters, Nancy Willke and Dixie Bounds.