Mary Barclay

Obituaries

Tuesday, 20 September 2022 11:21

Graveside services for Mrs. Mary Kate Carter Barclay, 97, born on Monday, June 15, 1925 in Section, Alabama to John Breckenridge and Ethel Carter, were held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Mary Kate graduated from Jackson County High in 1942 and later attended Berea College. She worked in Oak Ridge, Tennessee during the secret City era and went on to teach in Jackson County schools, during which she married the love of her life, J.O. Barclay. Afterward, she began and set up the medical records department at Jackson County Hospital. She retired from the TVA and worked part-time with the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. Her volunteer work included establishing the VFW Auxiliary and served as its first president. She was also a founding member of the Three Arts Club and also served as president. She volunteered with First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for decades. She also served as one of the first women jurors in Jackson County.

One of her favorite pastimes was making boiled custard for ill friends and family. She was admired for her compassion and strength of conviction and was also a strong patriot due to her family members who served our country in combat. These included her husband, brother, son, two grandson and two husbands of granddaughters.

She is survived by her children, Becky (John) Kellenberger, Beverly (John) Bell, James (Debbie Karrh)Barclay, III; grandchildren, Will Drummond, Claire Stroud, Mary Purdy, James Barclay, IV, William Barclay, Lauren Fowler, Emily Smith, James LeBeau; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Addison, Lily, Quenton, Cooper, Emerson, Oliver, James, Eleanor, Amelia, Collins, Mary Barclay.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel Carter; brother, John Carter, Jr.; sister, Barbara Nichols; beloved husband, James