Obituary of Mary E. Barkley

Mary E. Barkley, 94, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Opus Post-Acute Rehabilitation. She was born October 13, 1927, in Lynchburg, SC, to the late Walter and Janie Atkinson. 

Born in Lynchburg, SC, Mary moved to Dalzell where she spent much of her young adult life. She was a member at Dalzell UMC and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, the Women’s Society of Christian Service, and many other community functions of the Dalzell and Sumter communities. She graduated high school from Sherwood, where she played basketball. She loved bowling, and playing Bingo on Friday nights at Woodmen of the World. 

Mary was a loving mother. She placed her faith in Jesus Christ. She devoted her career to helping others as a compassionate nurse assistant. She worked at Tuomey Hospital in Sumter early in her career before moving to Lexington Medical Center, where she retired. 

She leaves behind a son, David Ross, Jr. (Frieda) of Cayce; brother, Kenny Atkinson (Annie Laurie) of Sumter; four grandchildren: Kim Corley (Henry), Shannon McKellar, Clint McKellar (Mariah), and Breanna Ross; six great-grandchildren: Logan, Nathan and Jackson Corley, Jack, Katie and Bryce McKellar; and son-in-law, Fred McKellar. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Donald Ross; daughter, Jane McKellar; brothers, Willie Atkinson, Pete Atkinson, and William Atkinson; and sisters, Bertha Mizell, Alma Compton, and Jeroline Yelton. 

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 2:00pm at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC  29209. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Following the service, interment will take place in Greenlawn Memorial Park’s Serenity Gardens. 

Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements.