REBECCA RUSSELL BARKLEY

REBECCA RUSSELL BARKLEY, lifelong resident of the Hickory Withe Community, retired Bank Teller and wife of the late David Russell Barkley died peacefully Tuesday morning, May 18, 2010 at her home at Hickory Withe on land owned by her family for three generations. She was 95 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Funeral Services were conducted at 4 P.M. Sunday at Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church where she was a devoted member for 85 years and a former Sunday School Teacher. Rev. Ed Eubanks, Pastor of the Church officiated. Interment followed in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Hickory Withe. Arrangements were provided by the Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mrs. Barkley was born March 14, 1915, in the Hickory Withe Community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Craig Russell and Jessie May Barry Russell, early resident of the Hickory Withe Community. She was educated in the Fayette County School System and was a graduate of the Fayette County High School in Somerville. Mrs. Barkley was married April 21, 1944 to David Russell Barkley, longtime Hickory Withe area farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Barkley were married for over 74 years before the death of Mr. Barkley on February 16, 2008.

Mrs. Barkley was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, sister and friend who was active in the religious, agricultural and civic affairs of her community throughout her life. She was employed at the Somerville Manufacturing Company in earlier years and was employed as a Bank Teller for over 30 years at the Oakland Deposit Bank before her retirement.

A person with many interests Mrs. Barkley was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed needlepoint, crocheting and making many items for her children, family, neighbors and church members. She was a collector of coins and stamps and in earlier years was an avid gardener, canning fruits and vegetables. She also served as a substitute teacher at the Hickory Withe School and storekeeper for Russell's Grocery on Hwy 196.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary Barkley Snipes Bell of Hickory Withe and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Barkley was preceded in death by a daughter, Jessie May Barkley Robbins on November 7, 1999.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were: Lou Cardamone, Dan Hancock, Butch Jones, Charlie Russell, Dick Russell and Mike Russell. Bobby Russell served as an honorary casketbearer.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church, 2420 Donelson Drive, Eads, TN 38028 or Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Association, c/o Mike Russell, 412 S. Maple, Covington, TN 38019.