Evelyn Polk Gowdy Barrett

Evelyn Polk Gowdy Barrett, 72, of Mesa Drive, Bridgeport, passed away Friday (Sept. 11, 2009) at her residence surrounded by her loving family.She was born Nov. 22, 1936, in Memphis, Tenn., a daughter of the late Hal A. Gowdy and Mary Polk Thacker Gowdy.Evelyn is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Carlos "Charlie" Barrett, whom she married Dec. 29, 1958.She also is survived by five children, Carlos A. Barrett and his wife Peggy Lynn of Benbrook, Texas; Mary Polk "Polly" Barrett Clutter and her husband Donald of Parkersburg; Michael E. Barrett of Stroudsburg, Pa.; Leslie "Lolly" S. Barrett-Wilson and her husband Dr. Sherwood Wilson of Blacksburg, Va.; and Robert A. Barrett and his wife Lori A. of Fairmont.She also is survived by 13 grandchildren; a sister, Susan Gowdy Russell of Clarksdale, Miss.; and a brother, Michael L. Gowdy of Garland, Texas.Evelyn received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and had attended the University of Alabama. She worked at the American School Foundation in Monterrey, Mexico, as a teacher and administrator and had also worked at Alderson-Broadus College. Evelyn taught Spanish and was an interim administrator at Notre Dame High School, Clarksburg. She previously taught at Ritchie County High School and retired in 2000 as a Spanish teacher from East Fairmont High School.She was devoted to her family and greatly interested in her grandchildren. She had a love of Mexico, which she considered her home. Evelyn took a great interest in her students and former students and how they were managing their lives. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a sense of right and wrong, which she passed down to her family and students.Condolences for the Barrett family may be sent to burnsidefh@burnsidefuneralhome.com.Memorial contributions may be sent to The American Cancer Society, 122 South High St., Morgantown, WV 26501.Friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 South Virginia Ave., Bridgeport, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. The funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Clarksburg at 11 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Siobhan Patterson presiding. Evelyn will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service.