Virginia Beach ~ Keri Barnes died peacefully at home on the morning of July 28, 2019 surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, John ‘Corky’ Barnes; children Jordan, Garrett, and Conner; parents, Barbara Ann Sims and James Patrick Sims; her sisters Barbara, Erin, Colleen, and Kristine; and her two dogs, Gertie and Lola.

Keri was raised in New Jersey, and spent the rest of her life in Virginia. She got her nursing degree from Old Dominion University, where she met Corky, her husband of 32 years. Keri worked as a nurse for over 25 years, but she was always happiest at home or at the beach.

The accomplishment that Keri was most proud of in her life was her family. Before they even had kids, Keri would tell Corky that she wanted a fun, unconventional, close-knit family, and that was exactly what she got.

Keri kept a beautiful garden, and she always knew what a given plant needed to thrive. It was the same way with the people in her life. She would do anything for anyone, often paying for strangers’ groceries when they couldn’t afford them. She always put other people first, which was why she was such a good mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. She was a nurturer at heart.

Keri had a long and complicated medical history that she handled with relentless optimism. Her family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who collaborated across multiple disciplines to provide excellent comprehensive care.

A celebration of life will be held September 14th at the Baja Restaurant in Sandbridge starting at 2pm.

Memorial donations can be made to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore at http://foodbankonline.org.