Mrs. Don-Eita Annunciata Hedgepeth Barkley

Don-Eita Annunciata Hedgepeth Barkley, 83, passed away, peacefully, on August 1, 2024, in Oxford, Massachusetts. Born on August 6, 1940, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she dedicated her life to serving her family, community, working in various school systems, churches, and retail establishments across six states, where she also made her mark as a loving spouse and mother. Alongside her husband, Joe, she became involved in sports as a coach and official, leading by example and striving to make a difference.

Don-Eita retired to assist her son part-time at Sports Treasures in Fountain City, Tennessee. She was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church, where she engaged deeply with her faith community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of forty years, Joseph Edward Barkley; her father, Clarence Calvin Hedgepeth; her mother, Mildred Taylor Hedgepeth; and her brother, Winston W. Hedgepeth. Don-Eita is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Delaine and Doug Mast of Pennsylvania; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Paula Barkley of Massachusetts; son, Eddie Barkley of Knoxville, Tennessee; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for her interment at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 14th, at Lynnhurst Cemetery in Fountain City. Don-Eita's legacy of love, leadership, and community service will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.