Bliss Turner Barkley went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 14th with her daughter by her side. Her physical body was weakening, but the kind, gentle spirit that was characteristic of this beautiful Christian woman never faded.
Her greatest joy was family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her happiest hours were the ones she spent with them.
She always kept a welcoming home for family and friends. She was a great cook and was famous for her potato salad, pound cake and her homemade candy. She was always asked to bring these to family get-togethers, church and reunions.
Many will remember Bliss for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was one of a kind. Her antics left those who knew her with a smile on their face, laughter in their hearts and stories to tell of good times shared.
Bliss was born in Charlotte, NC on December 13, 1932, daughter of Arthur Hobson Turner and Mildred Gibson Turner.
She married the love of her life, Mitchell Howard Barkley on June 17, 1949. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage, before his passing in 2006. Bliss then moved to Raleigh, NC to be with her daughter and son-in-law.
In addition to her beloved husband, she was predeceased by her parents, sister,Grace Turner James, and brothers Arthur Hobson (Bud) Turner, Jr. and John Richardson Turner.
Bliss is survived by her daughters Rhonda and husband Mickey Smith of Raleigh, NC and Debra and husband Jack Norberg of Rustburg, Virginia.
Survivors include her precious grand-children Mike Smith of Raleigh, NC, Derrick and wife Melissa Smith of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Devan and husband David Bradeson of Rhoadesville, VA, Danielle Norberg of Rustberg, VA, and Alana and husband Chad of Jacksonville, FL. Also included are her great grandchildren, Savannah Rayne Smith of Fuquay-
Varina, NC, Holland Nicole Petree, Gianna Morgan Petree and Jack Phillip Petree of Jacksonville, FL, and Ethan Mitchell Bradeson and Conner Michael Bradeson of Rhoadesville, VA.
We are so fortunate to have had this precious lady in our lives for so many years. We thank God for her life and now entrust her to HIM with love and thankfulness.
She brought kindness and comfort to all who knew her and will be forever remembered with love in their hearts.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Wake County, Home Health Team for all the love, care and dedication to MOM. We would like to give a special thanks to Gwen, Denise, Diedra, Sandy, Cornelia and Barbara.
Flowers are appreciated or donations to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607. A service to celelbrate her life will be at 2:00PM Monday at Hope Community Church, 3205 Sam Wilson Road, Reverend Michael Snyder officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Offer condolences through www.forestlawnwest.com (704)395-0055.
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