Theodora S. 'Teddy' Barnett

Theodora Teddy Sava Barnett, 83, of Salem, went peacefully on April 7, 2013 to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born on May 31, 1929, at Williamson, WV, to the late Makrina and Costos Sava. Following her parents death, she came to live at the Salem Baptist Childrens Home. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and Averette College. In 1949, she married Howard S. Barnett and shared 52 wonderful years together prior to his death in 2001. After completing her schooling, she returned to the Salem Baptist Childrens Home and became the Food Service Director for many years, serving up to 200 children and staff members three meals a day. Teddy then went to work at the Salem Civic Center serving as Assistant Box Office Manager for over 25 years. She made wedding cakes, coordinated wedding receptions, was a seamstress, and anyone who knew her will always remember her wonderful cookies and pound cake. Teddy was dedicated to the Lord, her family, and her work. Her family was larger than most, as she helped raise many of the children at the Baptist Home, and remained a mother to them throughout all the years. She was a life-long member of Salem Baptist Church, which was a big part of her life. She sung in the choir since she was 12 years old, and for many years, she prepared and served meals on Wednesday nights, prior to the Prayer Services. She was always willing to help where needed and had a smile to share with everyone. Following a lengthy illness, she has now gone to Heaven to sing in her Heavenly Fathers choir. She is survived by several nieces, nephews and their spouses, Margaret Lee Maggie Wilcox and husband Bobby of Salem; Marlene Preston Susser and husband Jack of Venice Beach, CA; Teresa Hutchins and husband Steve of Manteo, NC; Carolyn B. Martin and husband Glenn of Roanoke; Linda B. Smith and husband Keith of Camden, NC; William Barnett, Jr. of Ocala, FL; Pat Blackwell and wife Sharon of Corvallis, OR; Richard Pete Blackwell of Salem; Karita Knisely of Roanoke; Rebecca Humphrey and husband David of Fayetteville, GA; Eddie Barnett of North Carolina, and a sister-in-law, Betty Barnett of Salem. Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Salem Baptist Church. The Revs. Everett Kier and Sam Harvey will officiate. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM, Tuesday at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Baptist Church, 103 N. Broad St. Salem, VA 24153. The family would like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to the staffs of Woodhaven Nursing Home and Good Samaritan Hospice for their wonderful care. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.