Midge Barrett

Mary Anne "Midge" Barrett, 96, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully with family at her side on August 12, 2023. Midge was an inspiration to her family, friends, church community at Hawthorne Lane, and to all those she met and loved throughout her life. Midge will be remembered for her spirit, wit, candor, dedication, and never-ending pursuit of travel and quality time with loved ones. At 95, Midge traveled to Normandy, France with family to check off a bucket list trip and at 96 she was still planning more adventures. Midge was born in Burlington, NC on July 5, 1927. Weathering the Great Depression, Midge and her family lived with her grandmother in a home in downtown Burlington until she was 12. Midge was one of four siblings including her sister, “Ish”, who contracted polio as a toddler, and brothers “Bud” and “Popeye”. Ish would later live with Midge and Ruth, Midge’s best friend, for periods of time. During WWll, Midge and her cousin, Hoyt Bradshaw, did their part working in the shipyards in Virginia Beach. Midge's mother, “Nanny”, was a spirited woman who marched for women’s voting rights and stressed education in the family. All of Midge's siblings went to college. When one sibling graduated, the siblings worked and helped pay for the next sibling to get through. Midge and her best friend Ruth Hester shared an amazing companionship that spanned more than 70 years. Midge and Ruth both graduated from Appalachian State in 1948 and got their Master's at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1965. Interestingly, Midge and Ruth did not meet at Appalachian State, but rather ended up being placed as roommates and fellow teachers the following summer. They went on to teach for 38 years. Midge taught English and History and Ruth Library Sciences. They loved their time teaching and Midge never stopped correcting her family’s grammar. Together they were an adventurous duo, traveling to all 50 states and countries around the world including Poland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Egypt, and Israel to name a few. Midge would share stories of their adventures. Some of Ruth and Midge’s favorite memories were traveling with friends who were often fellow Appalachian State Alumni or members of Hawthorne Lane. They made many lifelong friends during this chapter of their lives. Into her mid-90’s, Midge was still full of adventure, seeing “Hello Dolly” on Broadway in NYC, visiting France less than a year ago, and still planning more trips with family and friends. Hawthorne Lane Methodist Church was central in Midge and Ruth's lives. Whether it was Church, Sunday School, Bible study or Wednesday evening meals, their church community was a constant in their lives and a great source of joy. The Miller Sunday School Class was something they looked forward to each week for decades. Ruth and Midge were eager to support the youth department at Hawthorne Lane. Midge built strong relationships with young people in the church like Eleana Wright, who was dear to her. Throughout Midge’s life, her commitment to her family was unwavering. In 1968, her brother, Hugh “Popeye”, passed at 35 leaving behind his wife and five children. Her sister Ish died less than two months after. Without hesitation, Midge stepped up, providing love and support. As her brothers’ and cousins’ families grew through the years, Midge would light up with joy for each new generation which was always an opportunity for her to share her love, wisdom, and wit. She was delighted to meet the newest members of the family these last years and is now a great great great Aunt. Midge was a bright light and fierce flame that has left an indelible mark on this world and our hearts. We can find comfort knowing Midge is likely barefoot on a beach searching for seashells with Ruth, saying gheer, her own special greeting, to the beloved friends and family who passed before. Midge will continue to watch over us and especially over her littlest companion, her beloved rescue pup, Lily Rose. Midge will be deeply missed, but she will live forever in our memories, stories, and hearts. Midge is predeceased by her parents Clifford “Cliff” and Alice “Allie” Barrett, sister Betsy “Ish” Barrett, brothers Clifford “Bud” Barrett Jr (Ruth) and Hugh “Popeye” Barrett (Patricia), nephews Martin Barrett, John Barrett, and niece Joan Barrett. Midge is survived by her nieces Becky Dolinger (Tom), Vicki Barrett (Howard White), Lisa Stumpf (Terry), and nephews Clifford “Butch” Barrett (Dorothy) and Raymond “Ray” Barrett (Laurie); great nieces Christy McNeal (Jonathan), Rebecca Byerly (Khuram Mir), Cindi Cleary (Jim), Laura Manary (Ryan), Dara Barrett, Allison “Ally” Barrett; great nephews Tom “Tommy” Dolinger (Leah), JB Byerly (Amelia), Patrick Barrett, Spencer White (Caroline), Mark Stumpf, Byron Barrett, Chuck Barrett (Paige); great-great nieces Denise Sides (Luke), Hannah Johnson (Seth), Penny, Harper, and Isla Stumpf, and Maria Byerly (due 12/23); great-great nephews Ethan and Colin McNeal, Yusef “Little Martin” Mir, Chuck Barrett; great-great-great niece Hadley Sides, and “Special Nephew” “Uncle” Bill Roberts. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 2:00pm at Hawthorne Lane Methodist Church in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local animal shelter or Hawthorne Lane Methodist Church. Midge's family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and for them.

Midge Barrett

July 5, 1927 - August 12, 2023