Lori Susan Barmer

Lori Susan Barmer passed away at Wake Med Cary Hospital surrounded by loved ones on June 1, 2026 at the age of 68.

Born Feb. 7 1958, Lori grew up in Aulander, North Carolina and attended Bertie High School in Bertie County, NC. She graduated from Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC as well as, Marshall University in West Virginia.
Most knew Lori as an accomplished flutist and musician. She was known well in the jazz community of Raleigh and could often be found performing with partner, Elmer Gibson, all over the state. The two were especially well known at the Raleigh restaurant staple, ‘Irregardless’.
Lori was a brilliant graphic designer and artist, creating dynamic work for both independent and corperate clients.
In her personal life, Lori was a mother figure and a spiritual guide for many, in multiple capacities, both religious and holistic. She served god with her whole heart and gave to others selflessly. She took in children that were not her own. She gave many broken animals homes and mended them back to health. She gave endlessly of herself to make the world a little warmer.
Lori’s legacy is survived by her daughter, Lea Susan Barmer Clayton, as well as each and every one of us she nurtured and helped to grow along her way. Lori may be gone, but she left the world a little brighter for having been in it.

The visitation services will be held at City of Oaks Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4th.

There will be a second memorial for Lori held at Aulander (Eastview) Cemetery on June 25th at 11am. Reception to follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church (1437 NC-11, Aulander, NC 27805).

Thank you, Lori, for all the love and brightness you’ve brought into our hearts.