Zepplyn Renee Hicks Barker was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on November 18, 1948 to the late Allen Talbert, Sr. and Georgia H. Williams.  God sent an angel to bring her home on Sunday, November 21, 2021.  She graduated from Atkins High School and received a BS degree in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University.

"Zep" as she was affectionately known, retired from North Carolina Baptist Hospital after 24 years of service.  Zep loved people and people loved her.  She never met a stranger and her circle of friends included individuals of all ages.  Her house was the gathering place for neighborhood children, family, and friends.  She was an excellent cook and baker and loved to entertain.

Zep enjoyed serving the Lord and was a lifelong member of Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. She served as a Deaconess and was a member of the Sunday School, Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Health Ministry and was formerly active with the Cathedral Choir, Wednesday Noon Day Prayer Service, Bible Study, and the Culinary & Hostess Ministry.

Zep was an inquisitive person who did not hesitate to ask questions and share her thoughts.  She enjoyed playing various card games, sitting on her porch, and looked forward to watching televised college basketball games.  She also loved her community and participated in the City of Winston-Salem University and was a former president of the Outta of Sight Support Group, sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department.  Even during her recent illness, she remained involved and requested updates on her church, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Hicks; and sister, Zalinda Talbert.

Loving memories shall be cherished by her son, Charles Sherril Barker, Jr.; five brothers, Philip Hicks (Pernecia), Rueben Williams, Allen Talbert, Jr., Larry Talbert, and Bernard Talbert; one sister, Deborah Williams; devoted cousins, Eleanor Grier (Clarence), Shirelle Riddick, Bre' Ida Riddick, Ricky Hicks, Stevon Stewart, and Rev. George Hicks, Jr. (Tarsha); niece, Kayla Hicks; and a host of other relatives and friends.  Zep was blessed to have the love and support of numerous dear and special friends.  There are far too many too name, which is reflective of her loving and kind spirit.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.  Private services Friday, December 3, 2021.