Phyllis Barrett

Waynesville, Phyllis Leonard "Pete" Barrett, age 83, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2014, after a valiant year-long health struggle surrounded always by loving family and friends. Pete is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gary Barrett; son, Scott Barrett of Candler, N.C.; daughter, Leigh Estabrooks and her husband, Paul, of Cambridge, Mass.; and daughter, Keitha Barrett of Hillsborough and Waynesville, N.C. Pete is also survived by her grandchildren, Sam and Ben Estabrooks of Monson, Mass., Cameron Barrett-Ashley of Hillsborough, N.C., and Alexandra Barrett-Ashley of Hendersonville, N.C. Born in Salina, Kansas, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Alice Henshaw Leonard. Pete was the proud graduate of Wyandotte High School in Kansas City attending most of her high school reunions. She was employed as an IBM punch-card machine operator and later served as a U.S. Navy WAVE during the Korean Conflict. She and her family eventually settled in Asheville and was UNC-Asheville's first female campus security officer. She and her husband built a home that they eventually retired to in Jonathan Creek where Pete developed and operated Country Echoes, an antique consignment shop. An active member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, she produced the drive-through nativity and was active in the Shady Grove United Methodist Church Women's Club working to support scholarships for students at Haywood Community College. She was also a dedicated member of the church choir. A memorial service in celebration of Pete's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, at Shady Grove United Methodist Church with Reverend Tom Tout officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Shady Grove United Methodist Church Women's Club Scholarship Fund, 3570 Jonathan Creek Road, Waynesville, NC 28785.

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