Marybeth N Barris

Marybeth N. Barris passed away peacefully at her Venice, Florida home, after a courageous four year battle with Lymphoma. Marybeth is survived by the light of her life, devoted husband, John. They celebrated 50 years of marriage, August 19, 2017. John’s commitment and loving care were steadfast. Marybeth is also survived by her loving siblings, Hoyt Nichols (Kay) of High Point, NC, Phyllis N. Horn(Fred) of Greenville, NC, Scott Nichols (Evie) and Pam Nichols of the Rock Ridge community, in NC,sister-in-law, Diane Mathey (Fuzzy) of Sycamore, IL, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hoyt and Ruby Nichols of Sims, NC and sister-in-law, Joanne Smith of Washington State. Marybeth was an avid and accomplished golfer, a lover of the arts, pianos, music boxes, the Chalk Festival. She received dual undergraduate degrees from East Carolina College, now East Carolina University in Greenville, NC and two graduate degrees from Northern Illinois University, in DeKalb, IL. She loved education and was an educator for 45 years and completed her career as a school principal. Marybeth was loved and cherished by many friends near and far, and will be dearly missed. A gathering of friends will be scheduled at the Venice home soon. Memorial services will be scheduled in North Carolina and Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials are recommended to: Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, Florida, 34238, or a Hospice of your choice.Local arrangements are entrusted to Wiegand Brothers in Sarasota.