Vickey Barrett

Our beloved sister and friend, Vickey Julia Barrett, passed from this world at 8:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at Landmark Nursing Facility, following a valiant battle with cancer. Vickey, with great courage and dignity, fought tenaciously and bravely to the end. She was born on Sept. 25, 1958, and grew up in harsh circumstances in Lebanon, Tenn. Vickey believed her way to escape these conditions was through education. After serving in the U.S. Army, she went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from LSU-Shreveport in 1988 and two master's degrees from LSU: a master's in social work in 1991 and a master's in public administration in 2004. Vickey was a Louisiana licensed clinical social worker and was nearing completion of the requirements for a Ph.D. in social work when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Vickey used her talents and abilities as a social worker to help others less fortunate than herself, especially in the area of substance abuse and recovery from addiction. From 2002 through 2005, Vickey was employed with Capital Area Human Services District in Baton Rouge, working specifically with the Women in Recovery Program. While employed with CAHSD, Vickey assisted in securing grant monies at the state level to develop and implement innovative treatment programs for women affected by addiction. As a doctoral student, she served as a graduate assistant for the LSU School of Social Work, Office of Social Service Research and Development, working on projects in the areas of child welfare and substance abuse. Her most recent graduate assistant position was with the LSU Division of Student Life, working on a project to increase health insurance coverage for students with chronic illnesses, an issue for which she had great passion as her illness progressed. Vickey was happiest when she was serving others. In her role as a fraternity house mother, she was affectionately known as Mama V for her caring and loving ways. Vickey showed love, caring and compassion for those whom she sensed were troubled, and, as a result, she was deeply loved by many for her selflessness. When first diagnosed with cancer, Vickey believed she heard the voice of God say, Don't worry, I've got you. In her yearlong battle, her life became a testimony to God's enduring and infinite love. All those who love and will miss her, now know that she truly is in God's loving hands. She is survived by three sisters, Marty Queener and husband Bobby, Betty Lea and Lynn Olle; four brothers, Joe Hutton and wife Lori, Phillip Powell and wife Pat, David Barrett and wife Jarvis and Nickey Barrett; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly; and special friends, Mary Von Dohlen, Craig Combest, Dr. Scott Meche and Dr. Catherine Lemieux. She was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Hutton; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Lea. There will be a memorial visitation at First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge on Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. until the religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Chris Andrews. Special thanks to Life Source Hospice, the members of First United Methodist Church, the LSU School of Social Work and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity for all their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LSU Foundation for the School of Social Work Scholarship Fund or to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.

Visitation

First United Methodist Church
930 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA  70802
Friday, February 13, 2009
10am

Service

Memorial Service

First United Methodist Church
930 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA  70802
Friday, February 13, 2009
11am

Memorial Contributions

LSU Foundation for the School of Social Work Scholarship Fund
311 Huey P. Long Field House
Baton Rouge, LA  70803

Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge
550 Lobdell Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA  70806