Barbette West Brett

Barbette West Brett passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born in Augusta, GA on June 3, 1944, daughter of the late Philip Brown West and Alice Elizabeth Beach. Barbette grew up in Windsor, NC, where she was voted Homecoming Queen and Most Popular in her graduating class at Windsor High School.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Barbette began her teaching career in Durham, NC, where she was an early advocate of the individualized instruction movement in the late 1960s. A passionate educator, she was deeply committed to meeting the needs of all children and worked to transform how they learn.

Barbette was a devoted mother and friend, a voracious reader, avid letter writer, and a generous spirit who never turned away a stray animal in need of food or shelter. She was known to set out food for every creature that crossed her yard. She was also a gifted painter, photographer, and a phenomenal cook. Her kindness, creativity, and deep love for family and friends touched all who knew her.

Barbette is survived by her daughter, Maggie Brett Kennedy (Hunter) of Charleston, SC and son Taylor Brett (Karen) of Greensboro; two beloved grandchildren, Hampton Kennedy and Noah Brett; and sisters, Susan Blaylock of Winston-Salem, NC and Libby Slaughter of Wilson, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BackPack Beginnings at https://backpackbeginnings.org/donate/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.