Evelyn McLemore Barringer

Mrs. Evelyn McLemore Barringer, age 101 of Laurinburg went peacefully to be with the Lord on November 14, 2018.

Mrs. Barringer was born December 12, 1916 in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of the late William Henry and Clara Emme McLemore.  She had three brothers, Archie, Hilton and Jack all deceased.  She was a high school graduate of the local high school in Columbia.

She met her late husband, Rev. John Daniel Barringer; he was a Lutheran minister and Air Force Veteran and retiree, while working as a model lying in a hospital bed at the Columbia State Fair.  He pursued her until she caught him and they married December 6, 1940.  They had three daughters, Elaine, Martha and Sheila.

Mrs. Barringer worked as a transcriptionist in the X-ray department of the hospital in Columbia.  Later, she was an employee in a post office writing money orders. However, her greatest job was as a wife, mother and friend. 

She had many hobbies and activities, foremost of which was her church.  Also, she enjoyed reading biographies and books on history.  Flowers and birds, especially hummingbirds were among her favorite things, and the garden her church family planted for her was very dear to her.  Another of her passions was travel, and she took many trips with family and friends all over the United States.  In addition, she traveled all around the world, including Canada, Great Britain, Scandinavia, Europe, Nova Scotia, Mexico, The Grand Cayman Islands and Bermuda.  Crocheting was another of her interest as well as various crafts and sewing.  As young girls, her daughters often wore dresses and outfits sewn by her.

Mrs. Barringer was a social person and was a member of various clubs and organizations.  These include, the Welca Group at church, the Red Cross where she started in 1942 folding bandages for the war effort.  She received a 70 year certificate from the organization for her extended participation.  She was also a twenty five year member of the Home Extension.  One of her favorites was the Young at Heart Club where she enjoyed camaraderie and many meals.

She was proud of her family and friends as well as the fact that she lived independently until her death.

Survivors include her daughters, Elaine Key and son-in-law, Pat Key of Asheville and Sheila Barringer of Ocean Isle Beach.  Her middle daughter Martha preceded her in death in November 1975 and is interred in Salisbury, NC.  Also, she leaves three grandchildren, John Hancock, Conor Key and Jennifer Key; three great grandchildren, Aisling Key, Chaeli Key and Christian Key who all remember her with love, as well as her sister-in-law, Lathene McLemore and a number of nieces, nephews and many cousins.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Lutheran Church of the Living Word officiated by The Rev. Linda Nelson.   Visitation and reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lutheran Church of the Living Word, 1925 South Main Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

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