Mary Frances Barkman

December 17, 1921 - May 9, 2020

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Mary Frances Norris Barkman was born in Tipton, Iowa to Frank and Frances Norris on December 17, 1921. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Betty Norris Mort and Nancy Norris Linn, and her husband of 69 years, Beryl V. Barkman. She is survived by a brother and sister, Frank Norris (Tilley) of Sun City, Arizona and Susan Norris Nebergall (Glen) of Tipton, Iowa and Greenville, SC, as well as her children, Gregory Barkman (Marti), of Haw River, NC, Jonathan Barkman of Easley, SC, and Nancy Barkman Rights (Michael) of Brewster, NY, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

She was a high school English teacher in Iowa, Illinois, and South Carolina, serving as department chairperson in various schools. Following her retirement as an educator she became an attorney in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. But her heart’s interest was always in serving the Lord and pointing others to faith in Jesus Christ, which she did with books, songs, testimony, and encouragement through prayer and scripture memorization.

Above all earthly honors she desired to hear these words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” She went to her heavenly home May 9, 2020, where she has joined her husband and other loved ones in the presence of the Lord. A memorial service with the Rev. Gregory Barkman officiating will be held at Alamance Memorial Park, where Beryl and Mary Barkman’s earthly remains shall rest, awaiting the trumpet call of their Lord. Even so come, Lord Jesus.

Condolences and Hugs from Home may be left for the family by clicking on the link above.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown

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To Greg, Jonathan, and Nancy and families. I send my deepest sympathy to you all and your families on the passing of Mary. I continually praise the Lord for her and Beryl’s influence on my life as a teenager. They lived down the street from my house and I used to babysit for them. They invited me to their church in Galesburg, Bethany, and it is there that I was saved. They continued their influence on my parents lives by inviting them to a Bible study at their house. They had a great impact on my family. When I met my husband Ed, I invited him to Bethany and he too was saved. I am now 78 and praise God I gave my heart to him when I was 16 because these dear neighbors cared for my soul and invited me to their church. I know Mary impacted many lives, as she did mine up until the day she went home to be with the Lord. I praise the Lord that he put her in my life. May God continue to sustain all of you. Blessings and peace.

Taught me my senior year at Slater-Marietta High School. One of the best teachers I had in high school. I only had her as a teacher for that one year, but still remeber what a fine teacher she was.

My favorite teacher in high school She had a way of making you feel special
Nancy Addington Epps

I had her as teacher at Slater Marietta
My memory has always been having devotion before class.She would listen when you had concerns for someone and would say a prayer. Shame we can't have that in schools now.

Mrs. Barkman was my teacher at Slater-Marietta High School. She went out of her way to help me with a difficult problem. I have never forgotten her and her kindness to me. She was truly a wonderful and Godly woman and my life was enriched by knowing her. My deepest condolences.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mrs. Barkman was an absolutely wonderful English teacher. When my class at Slater-Marietta High School reached 8th grade, no one could tell a verb from a noun. By the end of the half-year, we were fluent in all parts of speech and I can still diagram a 20-word sentence. And Literature in the 2nd semester was so much fun, she brought it to life! She is my favorite teacher of all time. A truly remarkable person we are all privileged to know. Carol Hardin Payne, Class of 1961

Nancy, so sorry to hear about your mother. I used to work for you at the Greenville County. May God give you and family comfort and peace during this time.

Dear Aunt Mary-Thank you for all the wonderful pearls of wisdom you gave to me! You will always be remembered as a smart, God-fearing individual who loved and lived a Godly life. Linda Lee Mort

Mrs.Barkman was my 9th grade grammer teacher at Eastside High School. prayers for her family during this time.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.