October 10, 1915

June 1, 2008

In Loving Memory of

Alysia Mae Lewis Barr

Alysia (Aulsie) Mae Lewis Barr was born October 10, 1915 to David and Margaret (Dave and Maggie) Lewis. She was married to William Howard Barr on August 15, 1937, who preceded her in death. To this union were born eight children: three sons n David Barr of Warrensville, Johnny Barr of Jefferson, and Ricky Barr of Crumpler; five daughters n Mildred (Mickey) Eachus Driver who preceded her in death, Janet Peterson of Jefferson, Margaret Brooks of Lansing, Joan Senter of Mt. Airy, NC and Opal Scott of Jefferson. Alysia was also loving mother to Bill Barr of Jefferson and Jody Barr of Boone, NC.

Alysia had four brothers and one sister who preceded her in death: Wiley, Conley, Cecil, Wade and Artie Brinkley. Two sisters still survive: Opal Bennett and Olive Carpenter, both of Lansing. Also surviving are twenty-five grandchildren, forty-three great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Alysia professed a hope in Christ early in life and was baptized. She was a loving mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor.

To her children she was “Mom”; to her grandchildren she was “Grandma Barr” and “Mimi”. Mom’s home was always open and she always had a big pot of pinto beans ready. Her specialty was chocolate pies. She loved bluegrass and gospel music. She was a foster grandparent at Lansing Elementary and Blue Ridge Elementary Schools for several years and worked well into her eighties. Grandma Barr had a wonderful life and was ninety-two years young. The following poem was written in remembrance of her by her grandson, Randy Barr.

My Mimmy

What she means to me

A grandmother

Like so many strive to be.

She loved like no other

Cared more than we know

The joyous life that she lived

How it always did show.

The vivid remembrance

Of her red curly hair

The family she mentored

So special so rare.

The strengths she adhered to

All the adversities she prevailed

On the train tracks to Heaven

Her faith never derailed.

As I miss her in body

Down my face drops a tear

I look around at this family

Knowing her spirit is here.

The sadness I show

The emptiness I fear

I’ll imagine her smile

As her reunion is here.

With the Lord by her side

Catching up she will do

Holding a precious grandchild

Her earthly body never knew

Her husband and her daughter

Patiently waiting to see

The smile of this red head

I can’t wait until it’s me.

Can you imagine

The joy she is feeling now

Let’s turn all of our sadness

Into celebration somehow.