Minnie Lee Worthy Barbrey

Minnie Lee Worthy Barbrey, 94, of Fountain Inn, widow of Earl Barbrey, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 1, 2018.

Services for Mrs. Barbrey will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 313 North Main Street, Simpsonville, SC. The family will receive friends starting at 1:00 PM prior to the service. A private burial will be held.

Minnie Lee was born June 2, 1923 in Leeds, SC, the daughter of the late Clarence and Armenta Greer Worthy. She grew up in Union and Jonesville, SC and graduated from Jonesville High School in 1940. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school and she cherished her school ring.
Minnie Lee and Earl Barbrey were married in 1941 and began their married life in Simpsonville but lived in Fountain Inn for over 65 years. They were married for 57 years. Mrs. Barbrey retired from Woodside Mills after 40 years, first in the Simpsonville Plant and then the Furman Plant, where she was a skilled cloth inspector. She later worked at Reynolds Dress Shop.

Mrs. Barbrey was happiest when spending time with her family, working in her church, and traveling. She was the last surviving member of her siblings. She loved, cared for, and supported her husband and each of her four brothers and two sisters until their deaths. Her love and support for her children and grandchildren never wavered. She was a Sunday and Vacation Bible School Teacher, a choir member, a member of the WMU and various church committees. She enjoyed and served in numerous capacities at Fairview Street Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Fountain Inn. She and Mr. Barbrey visited all the lower 48 states and enjoyed three trips to Europe.

Survivors include her son, James Earl Barbrey of Fountain Inn; her daughter, Rebecca Hamor-Frier (David) of Piedmont; a granddaughter, Holly Hamor Votaw (Al) of Charleston; great-grandsons, Henry and Joseph Behre of Charleston; and great-granddaughter, Dorothy Behre-Lu (Michael) of Arlington, VA.

Mrs. Barbrey was preceded in death by her brothers, James, Bill, Lawrence, and Thomas Worthy; her sisters, Annie Mae McKinney and Martha Casey; and a son-in-law, Richard M. Hamor.

The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to her three dedicated caregivers, Stephanie Patton, Glenda Young, and Marty Beals.

Memorials may be made to: Agape Hospice, 529 Mills Ave, Greenville, SC 29605; Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon St, Greenville, SC 29605; Shriners Hospital, 950 West Farris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605; or to a church of your choice.

Condolences to the family of Minnie Lee Worthy Barbrey

  • Ray and Barbara Brown, Fountain Inn
    6 years ago

    Dear Becky and Jimmy, and the rest of the family, Barbara and I were so very saddened to learn that “Miss Minnie Lee” had been called away from the family that she loved. However we were joyful that she is now resting in the arms of Jesus. Being once again with “Smokey” the love of her life while here in this life. I have always thought the world of her from the time that I first knew her. We went to the Fairview Street Baptist Church for many years. I know that all of you will muss her, as do her many many friends. May God comfort you in the days ahead. May the path that you travel will be made smooth,with the thought that she will have no more pain or suffering. Futher knowing, that with the Love of Jesus in your hearts that one day you will be with her again. God bless, and we send our love in Christ.

    Ray and Barbara Brown

  • Melanie Barbrey-Davis
    6 years ago

    Jim and Becky, your mom was a wonderful lady and I will always remember her love and kindness May you find comfort in Jesus Christ’s love. Melanie Davis

  • Susan Thibodeau
    6 years ago

    Dear Barbrey Family: My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Minnie. We will never get used to losing our loved ones in death because as Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “We were created with everlasting life in view.” But may you find comfort in knowing that Almighty God has promised that soon he will swallow up death forever along with the pain that it brings. (Isaiah 25:8) God has also promised to return Minnie to you as it says at John 5:28,29. You can also learn more about what happens when a loved one dies at JW.org.
    Sincerely,
    Susan

  • Shirley Mahy
    6 years ago

    Jim and family , I’ve only learned this week of Minnie Lee’s homeward journey. What a warm , sweet and elegant lady she was ! I was her Sunday School teacher for a few years and grew to love her fun personality and common sense. When my own mother died , she brought a bowl of her potato salad to my home. It tasted almost identical to my mother’s potato salad and was just especially delicious at that time I know she will be missed in our church and I am so blessed to have known such a sweet lady. May God give you all peace.

  • Shirley Mahy
    6 years ago

    Jim and family , I’ve only learned this week of Minnie Lee’s homeward journey. What a warm , sweet and elegant lady she was ! I was her Sunday School teacher for a few years and grew to love her fun personality and common sense. When my own mother died , she brought a bowl of her potato salad to my home. It tasted almost identical to my mother’s potato salad and was just especially delicious at that time I know she will be missed in our church and I am so blessed to have known such a sweet lady.

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