Gladys Barefoot

She was born in Harnett County, the daughter of the late Starling and Lottie Parker Coats. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Everette Barefoot; daughter, Henrietta Chapman; son, Malcolm Junior Ivey; sisters, Mable Jackson, Ella Mae Wells, Kathy Ruffin, Mary McLeod, and Bessie Barefoot; and brothers, Raymond Coats, Junior Coats, and Ricky Coats.

Gladys lived a life filled with love, family, and faith. She cherished time with her loved ones and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She especially enjoyed country music, with Conway Twitty being her favorite. The sound of a radio playing in the kitchen was a constant in her home, where she could often be heard humming or singing along while tending to chores.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she delighted in cooking for her family. Her grandchildren especially adored her homemade biscuits, which were always made with love. No visit was complete without a taste of her famous sweet tea, prepared with her special touch of adding a pinch of baking soda, just the way she liked it.

Gladys also had a strong love for the outdoors, often cutting firewood to prepare for the winters. In quieter moments, she enjoyed watching her favorite television programs, from courtroom shows like Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown to crime dramas such as Cops and Law & Order.

Above all, Gladys was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her unwavering devotion was the foundation of her life and a source of comfort to those around her.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Wilson; grandchildren, Justin Riewestahl, Jamie Riewestahl, Terry Chapman, Tracy Lee Chapman, Kim Kermick, Michael Ivey, Derek Ivey, Amanda Hamilton, Cindy Ivey, Terra Chavis, and David Wilson; 20 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Charles Coats.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Harnett Devotional Gardens in Dunn, with Pastor Kevin Brafford officiating.