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Bliss Barkley Obituary

Bliss Turner Barkley CHARLOTTE - Bliss Turner Barkley went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 14th with her daughter by her side. Her physical body was weakening, but the kind, gentle spirit that was characteristic of this beautiful Christian woman never faded. Her greatest joy was family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her happiest hours were the ones she spent with them. She always kept a welcoming home for family and friends. She was a great cook and was famous for her potato salad, pound cake and her homemade candy. She was always asked to bring these to family get-togethers, church and reunions. Many will remember Bliss for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was one of a kind. Her antics left those who knew her with a smile on their face, laughter in their hearts and stories to tell of good times shared. Bliss was born in Charlotte, NC, on December 13, 1932, daughter of Arthur Hobson Turner and Mildred Gibson Turner. She married the love of her life, Mitchell Howard Barkley on June 17, 1949. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage, before his passing in 2006. Bliss then moved to Raleigh, NC, to be with her daughter and son-in-law. In addition to her beloved husband, she was predeceased by her parents, sister Grace Turner James, and brothers Arthur Hobson (Bud) Turner, Jr. and John Richardson Turner. Bliss is survived by her daughters Rhonda and husband Mickey Smith of Raleigh, NC, and Debra and husband Jack Norberg of Rustburg, Virginia. Survivors include her precious grand-children, Mike Smith of Raleigh, NC, Derrick and wife Melissa Smith of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Devan and husband David Bradeson of Rhoadesville, VA, Danielle Norberg of Rustberg, VA, and Alana and husband Chad of Jacksonville, FL. Also included are her great-grandchildren, Savannah Rayne Smith of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Holland Nicole Petree, Gianna Morgan Petree and Jack Phillip Petree of Jacksonville, FL, and Ethan Mitchell Bradeson and Conner Michael Bradeson of Rhoadesville, VA. We are so fortunate to have had this precious lady in our lives for so many years. We thank God for her life and now entrust her to HIM with love and thankfulness. She brought kindness and comfort to all who knew her and will be forever remembered with love in their hearts. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Wake County, Home Health Team for all the love, care and dedication to MOM. We would like to give a special thanks to Gwen, Denise, Diedra, Sandy, Cornelia and Barbara. Flowers are appreciated or donations to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607. A service to celebrate her life will be at 2:00PM Monday at Hope Community Church, 3205 Sam Wilson Road, Reverend Michael Snyder officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Offer condolences through www.forestlawnwest.com; (704) 395-0055.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jun. 17, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Grandma, I love you and will miss you very much! Can't wait to see you and Grandpa again in Heaven. Love, Dani

Danielle Norberg

June 21, 2012

Danielle Norberg

June 21, 2012

I will miss your loving and encouraging hugs, I will miss you for the rest of my life My beautiful Aunt Bliss. we will all be together again one day soon.I love you.

Mark Turner

June 19, 2012

Terry and Joyce Taylor

June 18, 2012

Terry and I want to extend our sincere condolances to each of you in the loss of your mother/grandmother/great-grandmother. Bliss was such a sweetheart. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have known her and Mitch too. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers...just know that Mitch now has his bride with him! How sweet this must be for the two of them to be reunited! Heaven has become a little sweeter with the presence of Bliss. Again, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Rhonda and Mickey, Debra and Jack, we miss each of you. Much love to each of you......

Terry and Joyce Taylor

June 18, 2012

Dear Family, It has been a really long time since I have seen Bliss and any of the you; but thought of you often.
I'm sorry for your loss, but so thnkful to know that she has gone on to be with our FATHER in Heaven. I remember Bliss and Mitch letting me tag along to the wrestling matches in Charlotte when I was young, and letting us kids sit on your front porch coloring, and judging our pictures to see who did the best job. Many fond memories> Love to you all!

Janet (Benton) Almond

June 18, 2012

It has been a long time since I have seen Mrs Barkley. I remember Mitch and Bliss being good friends of my mom and dad. It sounds like she was surrounded by a loving family. God bless you all during this hard time.

Jim Raborn

June 17, 2012

Grandma, you will be missed! We love you with all our hearts and cannot wait to see you again in Heaven.

Alana Petree

June 16, 2012

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