Mary Letha Atkinson Barber

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Mary Letha Atkinson Barber, 85, of Columbia will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at North Trenholm Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service in the main sanctuary. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Mary, daughter of the late Joseph E. Atkinson, Sr. of St. Charles and Letha Brabham Mims Atkinson of Barnwell was born on September 18, 1930 in St. Charles, S.C. She graduated from Bishopville High School and the University of South Carolina. Mary retired from the Finance & Accounting Office at Fort Jackson and always attended the retiree’s quarterly luncheons to keep in touch with former co-workers. She was a member of the Early Risers Sunday School class at North Trenholm Baptist Church. Mary was a caring and giving person who always put others first. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening. She was an animal lover and really missed Mitzi, her beloved beagle that predeceased her. She also loved and enjoyed her four grandsons and spent a lot of time with them. Christmas gatherings in Bishopville, SC were always a special time with her extended family, enjoying food and fellowship. Surviving are her son, Ronald F. Barber (Jennifer Fleishel) of Columbia; daughters, Janice C. Barber (Bob Nielsen) of Cornelius, NC, Melinda E. Barber (T.J. Hickey) of Columbia; grandchildren, Adam Barber, Charles Barber, Benjamin Barber and Jonathan Barber; thirteen nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and several great-great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the two loves of her life, Fred Barber, her husband of 15 years and a very special friend, Burnell Roberson; four brothers, Clifton Atkinson (Emma Lee), Thomas Atkinson (Willie Mae), Joe Atkinson, Jr. (Betty), Lionel Mims; and one sister, Julia Logan (Dan); a niece, Patricia Logan Madray; and two nephews, Ricky Atkinson and Clifton “Bebo” Atkinson. Memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist, 6515 N. Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206 or SPCA, 121 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209. Please, sign the online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Caris Hospice for the tender care of their mother during her time of need.