Obituary of Dalphene Irene Wilson

Dalphene Barker Wilson, 85, of Franklin, NC left this life for a better one with the Lord on December 20, 2016. A native of Swain County, Dalphene was born on November 3, 1931 to the late Walter James Cochran and Minnie Ledford Cochran. Also, preceding her in death is her first husband, Leslie G. Barker, Sr.; a daughter, Janice Weaver; six sisters, Hazel Simonds, Lexie Hampton, Ruby Russell, Faye Barker, Margaret Brendle, and Melinda Cochran; and, two brothers, Johnny Cochran and Paul Cochran; one grandson, Jeremy Barker; and, one great granddaughter, MyKala Cable. Dalphene owned and/or operated several restaurants, with one being the Family Restaurant or “Ma” Barker’s in Bryson City. Her love for cooking and people motivated her hard work and desire to make others smile. She was the mother of eleven children, with 29 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Dalphene is survived by her husband of 12 years, James Woodrow Wilson of Franklin; six daughters, Isabelle Cable and husband Billy; Denise Barker, Janine Crisp, Martha Marr and husband Sam, Anita Grindstaff, and Lana Bradley and husband Kenny; four sons, Danny Barker and wife Robin, Dewey Barker, Leslie Barker Jr. and wife Corena, and Johnathan Barker; three sisters, Virginia Ramke and husband Daniel, Jane Cochran, and Linda Owenby; and two brothers, James Bud Cochran and wife Nancy, and Wayne Cochran and wife Hester. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 23 at 1:00 pm at Bryson City Church of God with Rev. Eugene Moore officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Hospice of Franklin, and Meals on Wheels. Special thanks to the Hospice nurses and all who graciously helped Dalphene during her illness.