Anita Joy Barto

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Anita Joy Barto, born July 18th, 1929 in Idlewild, Tennessee. She was in her childhood home built by her father and uncle. She passed away peacefully in her home on May 14, 2026, at the age of 96. The resillience of this wonderful woman will forever be on the lips of people who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Anita is preceded by the love of her life Oscar Carl Barto who passed in 2005; and her daughter Marilyn Jean Crowe who passed in 2016. She leaves behind her daughter Nancy Joyce Matthews, son Tommy Murry Barto, six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren.

It is truly incredible that her great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchildren got the joy and the pleasure of so much time whith her. She started her career in real estate in Charlotte, NC, moving to Chattanooga, TN, where she was awarded the most sales for real estate in Tennessee for 1981 and once again returning to Charlotte, NC, where she finished her career, selling her last home at the age of 94.

She was a member of what was formerly known as Covenant Baptist Church for 40 years, shining the light of the Lord along the way. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, hanging out with her great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, watching Walker -Texas Ranger. A story that speaks to the strength of her character was finding herself a single mother at the age of 29, working and supporting her three children on her own until meeting the love of her life in 1961. She was fiercely loyal and while sceptical of strangers, once she knew you was increadibly loving and easy to laugh with.

Visitation will be held at Living Hope at Ballantyne, 11724 Elm Ln, Charlotte, NC 28277, US, on May 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow immediately afterwards at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Weddington, NC, at 2:30 pm.

Memories may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.