Sovona Mae Barbary

Sue was born in Palestine, Texas, June 29th 1921 to John Robert Gossett & Amanda May Fletcher. She had 8 siblings and was predeceased by all but two sisters, Ophelia Camp of Lindale, Texas and Novina Main of Palestine, Texas. Sue was pre deceased by her husband of 30 years, C.B. Barbary in 1975. They had one daughter, Debra Lynn Barbary Dillard of Pauline, SC; two grandsons, David Dwain Carter & Colby Alexander Carter; one granddaughter, Tori Elise Dillard Helton; two great-grandchildren, Tristan McKay Carter and Hannah Elise Helton. Sue served in the United States Women’s Army Corp during WWII being stationed in Fort Des Moines, Iowa and San Antonio, Texas. After completing her two year military duty, she attended military cook’s & baker’s training where she received a diploma. She also completed a beautician’s course and received her degree in cosmetology. The training she received at the cook’s school made her one of the best cooks, ever. No one could touch her turkey dressing, biscuits or sausage gravy. She continued to cook large family meals until age 91. And it was greatly appreciated by all who partook thereof. She was very often found either in her large garden or in her kitchen, canning all varieties of vegetables and fruits. Most of which she gave away to family and friends. She loved animals, dancing, talking on the telephone, fishing, practical jokes and everyone she met. Stubborn and proud of her Texas roots, she didn’t have any problems letting you know how she felt. She hated hospitals, medicine, pills and doctor’s appointments. Sue could field dress a deer as quick as a professional hunter, catch the biggest fish when no one else got a nibble and fry up squirrel so that you didn’t even care you were eating rodent. She was terrible at driving and balancing the checkbook, but the cooking made up for any shortcomings in those areas. Sue lived in her house, doing things her way, and cooking until May of this year. She did not like going into a nursing facility, but after being there for just a few days she had new friends galore and made the most of whatever came her way unless it was something relating to the medical field. (Did we tell you that she really had a set of lungs??) She was a wonderful, unique, special person that will be greatly missed and will never be replaced or forgotten by those who knew and loved her. Yes, we know the photo of her is out of date, but it was her favorite. It was what she wanted and she can have one last thing her way. Her desire was to not have a memorial service. She asked that everyone remember her as when they last met and not forget the better days. Memorials made in her name to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303, or any local animal shelter would go to a cause she greatly loved.