Mary Lou Buffington Barrett, 83, of Lee County died Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Willson Hospice House.

Her memorial service will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday May 25, 2019 at her daughter’s residence.

Mary Lou was born in Vicksburg, Miss., and attended Carr Central High School, Mississippi School for Women, and received her LPN from Hinds Community College. She married Thomas Gerald Barrett of Boyle, Miss., in 1954 and together they had seven children. After leaving Vicksburg, Mary Lou resided in Asheboro, N.C. for 30 years, where she raised her children and ALL of their friends. She never met a stranger and her door was always open to anyone in need of a place to sleep, a meal to eat, and a hug whenever needed. Later in life, Mary Lou enjoyed traveling around the world visiting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “Mimi” will be missed by them all.

She is preceded in death by her parents Donald Jasper Buffington, Louise Trouve’ Long Buffington, and an infant son Lewis Kelly Barrett. Survivors include her children, Laura Kate Barrett, Tallahassee, Fla.; Christopher “Kit” Martin Barrett, Atlanta; Nancy Carroll “Kay” Mull (Stephen), Lee County; Kurt Barrett (fiancee Carol McMullen), Charlotte, N.C.; CDR Benjamin Kyle Barrett, USN (ret) (Meg), Middletown, RI; Kerith Anne Peko (CAPT Miguel Peko, USN), Chesapeake, Va.; Mary Kristen Louise Barrett Vail (Jason), Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Thomas Morgan Perkins, Kristofer Wayne Burnett (Janell), Jeremy Jasper Scott Mull (Abigail), Taylor Barrett (Sarah), Andrew Barrett (Alli), PO2 Sam Barrett, USN, Tyler Barrett, John Parker Vail (Forest), PO2 Thomas Conner Vail, USN (Kelli), Abbi Elise Vail, Brenna Peko, Alyssa Peko, great grandchildren, Dillon Perkins, Emilie Silva, Jonathan Forbes, Oliva Forbes, Everett James Vail, Mason Benjamin Barrett.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alyssa Peko Special Needs Trust c/o Chris Jennings, Virginia Asset Group, 2901 S. Lynnhaven Road, Suite 230, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews’ website at mathewsfuneralhome.com.