Kay Frances Barnett

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Kay Frances Barnett. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Kay was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Kay was born in her parents home on Merriman Street in Lenoir, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Eugene Spicer and Vena Elise Anders Spicer. Kay was raised in Lenoir, North Carolina. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Kay was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Kay's personality throughout her life.

      Though Kay was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Kay was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Kay worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Kay was raised with seven siblings. She had four brothers; Roy Lee, Buddy, F. D. And Charles and three sisters; Juanita, Jerolene and Lois. Charles passed away as an infant, Lois passed away at eighteen months old and F. D. Passed away at the age of five years old. Kay and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another. Kay and her sister, Jerolene could often be found playing with their paper dolls, enjoying each others company.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Kay was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Kay was always tactful. One thing Kay will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Kay had a number of interests and was an active child. Kay liked to play softball, hopscotch, red rover and badminton. In her spare time she liked to sing along with songs on the radio and she enjoyed reading. A lot of Kay's time was spent helping with housework and gardening. Kay helped around the house a lot and she helped with her sibling quite a bit as well.

      For Kay, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Kay was also adept at details. Kay was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. Kay attended Happy Valley High School. School was not Kay's favorite thing, and she quit in the eleventh grade, but that did not mean Kay stopped learning. She had a lifetime of experiences and she learned along the way. She also was a great teacher to many others. The value of the life experience she had was far more practical and useful than any formal education she may have missed.

      There was one thing that all of Kay's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Kay was such a popular person throughout her life. But Kay was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Kay was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Kay was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Kay was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Kay was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Kay made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Norma Jean Keller, Carolyn Ragsdale, Helen Curtis and Shirley Curtis and her cousin, Allene Hughes.

      Kay was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Kay cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On May 1, 1965 Kay married Toney at a store that was owned by a local minister in Burnsville, North Carolina. Compassionate and devoted, Kay worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Kay and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Kay was blessed with three children, all sons, Mark Anthony, Todd Edwin and Gregory Allen. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, two grandsons, Ethanial Ray Barnett (Ethan) and Andrew Steven Lewis; five granddaughters; Makayla Dawn Barnett, Megan La'nae Barnett, Hannah Nicole Barnett, Ashley Brooke Carlisle and, Amanda Lynn Biddix. Kay also had three great grandchildren; one great granddaughter; Lilly Hall and two great grandsons; Hayden Carlisle and Andrew (Drew) Lewis. Kay was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Kay was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Kay would listen before she would act. Her three boys were a handful, constantly getting into something, but she stayed after them...and thanks to her, they are wonderful men now.

      Kay never worked a public job, she did however, work. Very hard. She was a proud and dedicated homemaker. Taking care of her husband and her sons was her top priority. She also babysat for all of her grandchildren, her many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and some children who were no relation. She was loved by each and every one of them. By many, she was not known as Kay but as Kay Kay. She loved every child she took care of. Kay would take the money she made babysitting and , more often than not, spend that money on clothes and toys for the children that she babysat for rather than spend it on herself. Kay kept a spotless house and cooked for her husband, children and her sister, Jerolene everyday without fail. She washed clothes and ironed. She ironed almost evey piece of clothes her family wore. She never complained, but took real pleasure in her family and caring for them. She brought harmony to her home, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always showing love and respect for her family.

      A methodical woman, Kay enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Kay spent her time caring for all those around her. She took joy in anything she could do for someone else whether it be her children, her husband, grandchildren, nieces or nephews or a neighbor or fellow church member, it made no difference. If someone needed Kay, she was there and pleased to help.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Kay well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church for seventeen years then she joined Worship Point Baptist Church in Lenoir, North Carolina where she was a faithful member for over twenty four years. During that time, she was involved with the choir as a choir leader while she was able, she also enjoyed the Sunday school program. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Kay was not a fan of traveling.... She loved taking trips to other places, as long as it was a trip they could make in a day and be back home before bed time. She enjoyed Gatlinburg, Tennessee, she liked it when they went to Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, trips to Burnsville and Bakersville to visit family members. Kay did agree to go to West Virginia with her son, Mark and his wife Rhonda to visit Rhonda's .parents. Both Toney and Kay went. They spent the whole weekend which was unusual for Kay, but she had a good time and they intended to go again and stay longer.

      Kay was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Chihuahua named Tippy, who was a best friend for many years. After Tippy died, Kay never wanted another pet.

Kay was a woman with a true heart for children. She was the happiest when she was around children and she loved her grandchildren with all of her heart. The grandchildren talk about how Kay would stand in the kitchen in her skirt and dress shoes, jumping up and down, waving her arms and when they asked what she was doing, she said she was "exercising". The grandchildren and nieces and nephews spent a lot of time with Kay and they enjoyed having Kay play in the yard with them. When they got home from school, Kay always had a snack ready for them and if they didn't like what she had cooked, she would turn around and fix something else, always without one negative word. She would go to the ends of the earth to care for her "babies".

  Kay passed away on January 6, 2014 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kay fought a very long battle after being paralyzed when she had a massive stroke just days after a triple bypass surgery. After the stroke, Kay could not speak, or move on her entire right side. When she was allowed to leave the hospital, Kay was moved to the Shaire Center Nursing Facility because she required skilled care that could not be given at home . She lived at the Shaire Center for six and a half years. During that time, her husband, Toney was a constant supporter and caretaker. He spent all day, almost every day at the Shaire Center with Kay. He fed her, dressed her and put her to bed. During the day, Toney would take Kay for rides in her wheelchair. They would make many trips around the facility each day when the weather allowed. Her sister Jerolene and Juanita were regular visitors and helped take care of her also. Kay's sons and their families were regular visitors at the Shaire Center also. When Kay would look up the hall and see one of her family members coming down the hall, she would instantly light up with a smile and a wave. She loved her visits and the grandchildren looked forward to the time they got to spend with her.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years Toney Barnett, her three sons, Mark and his wife Rhonda, Todd and his wife Deanna and Greg. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ethan, Makayla, Megan, Hannah, Ashley, Amanda and Steven, her great grandchildren; Lilly, Hayden and Andrew (Drew), her sisters; Jerloene,and Juanita, her brothers; Roy, and Buddy. Also left to cherish her memory are many nieces, nephew, great nieces and nephews friends and loved ones. Services were held at Union Grove Baptist Church in Lenoir, North Carolina. Kay was laid to rest in the cemetery at Worship Point Baptist Church in Lenoir, North Carolina.

      Kay was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Kay was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Kay Frances Barnett.

Kay's Obituary:

Kay Frances Spicer Barnett, 74, of Lenoir, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, January 6, 2014, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Kay was born February 26, 1939, in Caldwell County to the late Eugene Spicer and Vena Anders Spicer. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers; Floyd Dempsey Spicer, Charles Wesley Spicer, one sister; Lois Helen Spicer and one brother-in-law, Roy St. John. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of forty nine years, Toney Barnett of the home; three sons; Mark Barnett and wife Rhonda of Lenoir, Greg Barnett of Lenoir, and Todd Barnett and wife Deanna of Granite Falls, seven grandchildren; Ethan , Makayla , Megan and Hannah Barnett, Ashley Carlisle and husband Kevin of Morganton, Amanda Biddix and husband Adam of Morganton and Pvt. Andrew Steven Lewis and wife Tayler of MCAS New River, Jacksonville, NC and three great grandchildren; Lilly Hall, Hayden Carlisle and Andrew Lewis, two sisters; Juanita St. John of Lenoir, Jerolene Spicer of Lenoir, two brothers; Roy Spicer of Lenoir and Buddy Spicer of Valdese. Also left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her greatly.

Kay was a faithful member of Worship Point Baptist Church and loved the Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and cherished every minute that she was able to spend with her family. During her life, Kay babysat for all of her grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many children who were not related to whom she was affectionately known as “Kay Kay”. Kay will be best remembered for the loving smile that everyone who came to see her was greeted with. To know Kay Barnett was to love her. Children were her passion and she was a jewel to all who knew her.

The funeral service for Mrs. Barnett will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Union Grove Baptist Church in Lenoir with Reverend Lane Hamby and Reverend Sam Craven officiating. The family will receive friends at the church two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow at Worship Point Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Spicer, Cody Spicer, Chad Henderson, Ethan Barnett, Pvt. Andrew Steven Lewis, Mike Spicer, Kevin Carlisle and Damon Kirby.

Memorial contributions may be made to Worship Point Baptist Church at 2310 Collettesville Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Kay Frances Spicer Barnett.

Online condolences to the family may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Mamaw

I wish you knew how much I miss you. I feel like I was stronger at the funeral, and was able to talk about you to everyone more so than I am now, But I guess it's because I realize how much I wish you were here. Prom is coming up and I wish so badly that you could see me after I get ready like you got to with all my other siblings. I get mad sometimes, I'm jealous of them but then I realize it's all a part of God's plan. Thee are some nights I lay sleepless, just thinking about you and how I wish I could get to hold you one more time. Through it all, I remember all the amazing memories we made together. You were such a beautiful and amazing lady. Now I know you're just the same, but no longer in pain and I can't help but praise God for that. He blessed me with the time that I had with you and I've learned to thank Him for that. I can't wait to see you again one day, We can dance together like we used to. I love you.

Your Granddaughter,:

Makayla

Memories of Kay:

I first met Kay shortly after Mark and I started dating. She was one of the kindest, most considerate women I have ever known. I loved the time we were able to spend together before the stroke stole so much away from all of us. After Mark and I were married, Kay I went shopping several times. One time in particular I remember because Kay was shopping for a new Easter dress for church. When we left, Toney gave Kay a hundred dollar bill and she quickly stuck it in her purse. Toney called to her as we were leaving and said "you don't have to spend all of it". Well, we all knew that was pointless. It was a good as gone. When we finally found her outfit, them we had to find a purse and shoes. With all of that accomplished, we went to check out at the store. When she was finished paying, she looked at me and said "oh no, I spent all of my money, now we can't go to lunch". We did go to lunch, and we had a very good time. I miss the talks we had, sitting on her porch or in the den at our house. Kay was just a fun person to be around, always happy and laughing, I miss that part the most. From the first time I met her, she treated me like she had known me forever, she treated me like I was one of her own children and I love her and respect her greatly.

Rest easy Ms. Kay, We will meet again.

Rhonda Barnett-Daughter- in-law

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KAY FRANCES SPICER BARNETT

Kay Frances Spicer Barnett, 74, of Lenoir, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, January 6, 2014, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Kay was born February 26, 1939, in Caldwell County to the late Eugene Spicer and Vena Anders Spicer. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers; Floyd Dempsey Spicer, Charles Wesley Spicer, one sister; Lois Helen Spicer and one brother-in-law, Roy St. John.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of forty nine years, Toney Barnett of the home; three sons; Mark Barnett and wife Rhonda of Lenoir, Greg Barnett of Lenoir, and Todd Barnett and wife Deanna of Granite Falls, seven grandchildren; Ethan , Makayla , Megan and Hannah Barnett, Ashley Carlisle and husband Kevin of Morganton, Amanda Biddix and husband Adam of Morganton and Pvt. Andrew Steven Lewis and wife Tayler of MCAS New River, Jacksonville, NC and three great grandchildren; Lilly Hall, Hayden Carlisle and Andrew Lewis, two sisters; Juanita St. John of Lenoir, Jerolene Spicer of Lenoir, two brothers; Roy Spicer of Lenoir and Buddy Spicer of Valdese. Also left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her greatly.

Kay was a faithful member of Worship Point Baptist Church and loved the Lord. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and cherished every minute that she was able to spend with her family. During her life, Kay babysat for all of her grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many children who were not related to whom she was affectionately known as “Kay Kay”. Kay will be best remembered for the loving smile that everyone who came to see her was greeted with. To know Kay Barnett was to love her. Children were her passion and she was a jewel to all who knew her.

The funeral service for Mrs. Barnett will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Union Grove Baptist Church in Lenoir with Reverend Lane Hamby and Reverend Sam Craven officiating. The family will receive friends at the church two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow at Worship Point Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Spicer, Cody Spicer, Chad Henderson, Ethan Barnett, Pvt. Andrew Steven Lewis, Mike Spicer, Kevin Carlisle and Damon Kirby.

Memorial contributions may be made to Worship Point Baptist Church at 2310 Collettesville Road, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Kay Frances Spicer Barnett