Brenda Nell (Tart) Barefoot

Brenda Nell Tart Barefoot was born April 11, 1940. She was the daughter of Elijah and Rovene Jones Tart.  Brenda was brought up in a loving catholic family and was the eleventh of fourteen children. The children are as follows: Gertrude Spencer(deceased), Winnifred Cooley(deceased), Rena Moss, Percy Tart(deceased), Francis Jackson(deceased), Evelyn Galeo, Ellen Jackson(deceased), EP Tart(deceased) Steven Tart(deceased) Kenneth Tart(deceased), Carmel Harts, Jeanette Thornton, and Johnny Tart(deceased).  Brenda was raised with a foundation of faith, love, and hard work.  She lived the rest of her life with these strong convictions and it was evident in all that she did.

Brenda married Lee Barefoot after he returned home from the Korean War where he served as a paratrooper in the army.  They farmed and raised four sons, Kent, Daniel, Chris, and Brad. She became a hairdresser after graduating from Hank Hannah’s Beauty School in Dunn. Lee built her a beauty shop, The Golden Lady, next to their home so she could be with their boys when they got off the school bus and when they worked long days on the farm. When Lee passed away very suddenly in 1984 Brenda took on the role of farmer as well.  She loved her daughter-in-laws Debbie, Kathryn, Sheila, and Tammy. She always said her boys picked good ones!

Brenda adored her sisters and brothers and spent many happy times visiting and supporting her numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families. She enjoyed traveling to see all of her siblings and sitting around the table drinking coffee, playing cards, and fellowshipping in those close ties she had with her family.

Brenda had many hobbies and passions in her life that she was devoted to. Some of these included her career as a hair dresser, her flower garden, her bulldogs, her church family, quilting, and always helping others. She taught young adults Sunday School for many years and always enjoyed a rousing theological debate! She ministered to many young people with her wisdom, life experience, and knowledge of scripture. Her Christian faith was undeniable and she lived her values daily. She loved her customers and was devoted to them and their families as well. Brenda was also an outspoken advocate for the hard working people of her community, the family farm, and farmers.

When the grandchildren came along Brenda was elated. First the little girl she had been waiting for arrived… Adrian Barefoot followed by Jared Barefoot, Hunter Barefoot, Kayla Barefoot, Lee Barefoot, and Caroline Barefoot. Brenda adored her grandchildren, especially when they came to spend long hours with her working in her yard, canning and freezing, and just having fun. As they became adults she welcomed in her new members with delight. Nicole Huff Barefoot, Caroline Hines Barefoot, Brandon Johnson, and Andrew Baker married into her family with love and affection.

As the great- grandchildren arrived her heart was overjoyed. First came Elijah Barefoot followed by  Sallie Estrella, Brantley Baker, Elliott Barefoot, Julian Barefoot, and Noah Barefoot. Brenda felt that each child was a gift from God, precious and beautiful. She was Grandma Brenda, Grandma B, a shining example of love and affection for her little ones.

Brenda will be missed by so many in her family, friends, community, and church. She leaves a legacy that will be carried on for generations to come. She touched many lives with her faith journey, her wisdom, her wit, and her advocacy. She was a unique and remarkable individual that loved the life that God so richly blessed her with. 

Online condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.com

Services have been entrusted to West & Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove, North Carolina.