Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 28, 2024

Mary Bradford Barry, 91, passed away at her residence on June 28, 2024. A Charlotte native, Mary was born May 5, 1933, the daughter of the late Williamson Ziegler Bradford and Mary Coley Speir Bradford. She graduated from Central High School and attended Converse College. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ernest H. Barry. Late in life, she treasured her relationship with Bill Keenan with whom she enjoyed a wonderful companionship.

Mary was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and would later affiliate with New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church in McClellanville, SC. Mary maintained an abiding faith, anchored in the scriptures, and nurtured in the Church. She willingly shared her deep faith and passed down this extraordinary gift to her children and grandchildren.

Mary was an artist, chef, genealogist, and writer, who loved an adventure and celebrated the uniqueness of everyone she met. Dinners around her table were filled with gourmet treats, laughter, and love. Her stories took on a life of their own, maybe a little exaggerated but with just enough truth to make them believable. With each chapter of her life, she discovered new projects to share. Mary (Mames) developed a special relationship with each of her grandchildren, passing on her love of art, writing, poetry, pottery, birds, and cooking. She will be dearly missed by all.

Mary is survived by her five children Ernest Barry (Pam), Betsy Dreier (Jeremy), John Barry (Anne), Dan Barry (Leslie), and Bradford Barry (Alison); her grandchildren: Trey (Melissa), Margaret, Julia (Ben); Eliza, Barry (Macy); Elizabeth (Arthur), Hannah, John (Arriana), Sarah; Ford, Jillian (Sean), Will (Cally); Mary Kathryn, Emily (fiancé Mobley); and ten great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Bill Bradford (Cathy), David Bradford (Sharon), Woody Clark (Jerry - dec.), Nancy Conner (Charles); and sister-in-law Marion Barry Mayes, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday, July 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church Legacy Fund (Charlotte), New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church (McClellanville, SC), or Hopeway (Charlotte).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.