Mamie Lee Stephens Barfield, age 96, went to her heavenly home on October 14, 2024, surrounded by family and friends that loved her dearly. Mamie was born a leap year baby on February 29, 1928, in Berrien Co, GA. Her grandchildren delighted in joking that they were always older than she was. Mamie was preceded in death by her parents, Stella and John Owen Stephens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Roger Lonnie Barfield, Sr., (R.L.); son, Roger Barfield, Jr.; two brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include one son, Ronald Barfield (Martha) of Woodstock, GA; a daughter, Betty Ann Lindsey (Tommy) of Tifton, GA; a daughter-in-law, Kay Barfield of Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Alexis Swanson, Leigh Ann Burgess (Cole); Elizabeth Laminack, Lon Barfield (Heather), James Barfield (Megan) and Lauren Abbott (Chad); along with great-grandchildren, Nate Swanson, Nic Swanson, Mason Burgess, Brayden Barfield, Emerson Fodero and Owen Abbott; sisters, Zelma Ellis and Ida Luke; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
As a young lady, Mamie started her career as a telephone operator in Jacksonville, FL, where she met R.L. After marrying, they co-owned and operated Barfield Furniture Company, working closely for many years. Following the closure of the furniture company, Mamie joined her son, Roger, on the road conducting furniture liquidation sales. Her savvy business and humorous storytelling made her well-loved by all her customers.
Mamie was known for her kind and welcoming spirit, consistently finding the good in everyone she met. Upon retiring, she devoted her time to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she adored and were the joy of her life. Her love was unconditional, nurturing, compassionate, gentle, and caring. Her grandchildren and all their friends, as well as the neighborhood children were always welcome in her home. She enjoyed cooking for family gatherings and any friend that stopped by. She was especially known for her pound cakes and biscuits. A lifelong member of Trinity Methodist Church in Tifton, Mamie’s faith was an integral part of her life. Her hobbies included drinking hot tea, collecting unique teacups, and playing games with her grandchildren. She and R.L. enjoyed fishing and traveling abroad. She had many traveling adventures with her close friend, Iva Hasty and her sisters, Ida, and Zelma. Mamie was known for her love of birds, especially hummingbirds. She enjoyed sitting and watching them at their feeders.
The family would also like to express their deep, heartfelt gratitude to Mamie’s caregivers, Rhonda Johnson, Pat Connell, Diane Singletary, Sue Lastinger and Darlene Reeves, who cared for her with such love over the last year.
Mamie’s life was marked by her warmth, generosity, and the deep connections she fostered with all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and community. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. A private family burial will follow at Mount Paron Primitive Baptist Church in Alapaha.
The Barfield family wishes to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all of our friends who have served us during this time and for loving Mamie throughout her life.