Mary Alice Mulkey Barfield (Courtesy)

Mrs. Mary Alice Mulkey Barfield, age 85, of Barfield Drive, Elberton, entered into the sweet presence of Jesus on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

The second of seven children born to the late Erma Rebecca Ransom Mulkey and Willard Efford Mulkey, Mary grew up in Atlanta. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, and bookkeeper of the family business, Industrial Building Systems, Inc.

She was a devoted wife and mother called "Granny Mary" by many after the arrival of her first of four grandchildren. Granny Mary was always involved with activities in which her children and grandchildren were participating; she was their biggest fan. After only completing the tenth grade, Granny Mary was proud of her grandchildren's accomplishments: SGT Lana Sherman, US Army Chaplain's Assistant and Valdosta State College; Ashley Chapman, Georgia College, RN program; Jacy Sherman, University of Georgia; Austin Chapman, Kennesaw State University. A devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church, she served selflessly for many years. Involved in many church activities, Mrs. Mary imbued a passion for teaching children about the love of Jesus. In her later years, Mrs. Mary taught the adult Sunday School class. She always enjoyed studying the Bible and her Sunday school lessons. She remained an avid reader and puzzle solver. Another favorite pastime was attending family functions and eating with her Atlanta family!

In addition to working alongside Chuck with their family business, Mary gardened, preserved vegetables, cooked, and farmed. A converted "city-girl," she became known for her pink eyed purple hulled peas. She thoroughly enjoyed digging up sticker weeds, raising cows, rabbits, goats, and emus, and finding worms, then fishing with the grandkids. However, she insisted on keeping the fish, cleaning and cooking them with hushpuppies. As a child of "Granny Go-Go," Mary Alice was always available for road trips, enjoyed reading her maps, planning trips, and talking her loved ones home when lost.

Survivors include Mary's husband of 56 years, Charles Hubert "Chuck" Barfield of the home; daughters: Debbie and Jeff Chapman of Royston and Becky Sherman of Dewy Rose; grandchildren: Lana Sherman, Ashley Chapman, Jacy Sherman, and Austin Chapman; siblings: Helen Rogers of Sharpsburg, Brenda Kendall of Atlanta, Rita and Ed Klossing of Illinois, Robert and Jane Mulkey of Loganville, and David and Margaret Mulkey of Newnan; sister-in-law, Cheryle Mulkey of Snellville; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mary Alice is preceded in death by her brother, Willard Efford Mulkey, Jr. and her parents.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 24, from 12 - 2 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home in Elberton.

Funeral services celebrating Mary's life will be held on Sunday, June 25, at 3 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church with burial following in the church cemetery. Interim Pastor Andrew Sullivan and Mr. Tanner Moore will officiate, and those attending will have an opportunity to share favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary's memory to Antioch Baptist Church, 2479 Antioch Church Road, Dewy Rose, GA, 30634 or to Gideons International. A well will be constructed in Mary's memory by Wells of Hope, International.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Mary Alice Mulkey Barfield.