Mary Barrett

Mary Geraldine Lee was born at the Benham Hospital in Benham, Kentucky. She was the tenth eldest of twelve children born to Coalminer Edmond “Lett” Lee (1914 – 1971) and Henrietta “Gally” Rice (1920 – 2014). Her siblings were Eddie, Johnny, James, Robert, Edmond, Flora Jean, Bonzie, Lacey, Floyd, Herman, and Vera. As a young child, she lived on Sanctified Hill in the section of East Cumberland, Kentucky and attended the segregated school; East Benham School. It was here that she exercised her gift of song, which was encouraged by parents. Her parents taught Mary the values of honesty, truth, compassion, perseverance, and the importance of keeping a spiritual focus. She inherited a rich legacy of faith, family, character, leadership, and love. She sang in the church choir at Macedonia Baptist Church and her school choir. After she finished her studies at East Benham High School in 1964, she migrated to New York City to pursue a career as a professional typist. She took special training at the Empire State Building and slowly built her credentials. By 1968, she was promoted as a secretary to the clerical supervisor. She continued to receive many certificates based on her diligent work ethic. She eventually relocated to California and then to Indianapolis, where she began working for the Mayflower Moving Company. In 1973, Mary was hired at Aetna Life and Casualty and pursued her interest in clerical work. She was dedicated to the cause of helping people and making a difference in the world of insurance. Her priorities were centered around underwriting, filing, and examining claims, which she became quite fond of. She knew it was her mission in life to make a difference. In 1978, she transferred back to New York City and became a supervisor. She held the position of managing her departments exceptionally well. Her skill and technique was acknowledged as “phenomenal” & she received many accommodations from her highest superiors. Mary was even used to travel to different states to represent the new policies & regulations In 1979, she was traveling home on the train from work where she met a dashing young man named Clifford Barrett. When he gave up his seat, the two instantly connected. As they became more acquainted, they realized that share the same hopes, dreams, & endeavors. On December 24, 1980, Clifford and Mary were wed after a short courtship. Her remarkable partnership with Clifford produced two sons, Clifford Albert Jr. and Brandon Alexander. Between her career, she maintained structure as a wife, mother, and dedicated supervisor. She then began enhancing her abilities to be human. In 1995, School District 159 was experiencing a shortage of furniture. Mary used her influence with her company and donated several pieces of furniture to the local school district that was dispersed to several schools. She received an accommodation by the mayor and school officials. It was never about monetary gain, but she focused on the provision of public service. consisting donating to the such charities as Policeman and Fireman’s Fund, Disabled Veterans, Goodwill. In 1996, she eventually retired after 22years of dedication. After her retirement she spend quality time with her family orchestrating family events, vacations, and dedicating quiet time to herself and the Lord. She attended church services and faithfully read the scriptures. She continued her hobbies of cooking and assisting those in need. Her compassion and determined perseverance in God allowed her character to manifest in her community as a dedicated servant of the Lord. Mary led a life of extraordinary courage and strength. She did not hold grudges but rose above resentment. She was preceeded in death by her parents; Edmond & Henrietta Lee, her five brothers, Johnny, Edmond, James, Bonzie, Lacey, & Floyd. Mrs. Barrett leaves her legacy of love and reconciliation to her loving husband of 36 years. Her two sons, Clifford Jr (Naterria) of Covington and Alexander, of McDonough, both of Georgia. Three grandchildren, Deanna, Christian, & Kayden. Two sisters: Flora Jean Shamburger of New York, & Vera Pearl (Billy) Peeples of Springfield, Ohio. Her four brothers; Lacey James (Uninna) Lee of Alpharetta, Georgia, Herman (Delores) Lee of Lexington, Kentucky, Eddie Lee (Alva Jean) Carter of Plano, Texas, & Robert McGhee of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. One sister in law; Delores Lee of Dayton, Ohio. One aunt: Etta Bea Rice of Chicago, Illinois and one uncle Roosevelt (Mary Ann) “Pippen” Rice of Mount Hebron, Alabama.

Mary Barrett

April 5, 1946 - March 17, 2017