Estelle Barbee

Estelle Clark Barbee, 89 of Oakboro, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 after several years of declining health. She was born in Stanly County on August 4, 1922 to John Martin Clark and Lula Smith Clark who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents, Estelle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Grover Wilbert Barbee in 2006 and two brothers, Gaddis C. Clark and M. Dennis Clark. Estelle was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. An avid gardener, she was most happy outside enjoying nature’s beauty. She worked for many years at Wiscassett Mills in Albemarle and retired from Stanly Knitting Mills in Oakboro. At the Stanly County Senior Center, she shared retirement with her husband learning to craft baskets, an art they mastered and later taught. Estelle was a long–time member of the congregation at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Oakboro. She is survived by her son, D. Hilton Barbee and wife Sheila of Oakboro; her daughter, Christina B. Huneycutt and husband Ronald of Albemarle; her grand-daughters, Kristie B. Huber and husband Steve of Locust and Amee H. Odom and husband Brian of Wingate; one great-grandchild, Danielle Augusta Huber of Locust; her two brothers, C.J. Clark of Concord and G. Guy Clark of Albemarle; and her sister Shirley C. Efird of Oakboro. The family wishes to recognize and thank the staff of the Lutheran Home in Albemarle for providing excellent care to their mother. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 8, 2012 from 6-8 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Oakboro on Monday, July 9, 2012 at 10 am with Rev. Dr. Wayne Bennett officiating. Memorials should be directed to Hospice of Stanly County at 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 or to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund via 18523 Newsome Road, Oakboro, NC 28129. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Barbee family.