Harriet Barkley Oglesbee

Harriet Barkley Oglesbee, 86, of Pineville, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, at the Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, NC.

Harriet was born September 27, 1939, in Iredell County and was the daughter of the late Harry Earl and Beatrice Gainey Barkley. She attended school in Black Mountain, NC and graduated from Erskine College in Due West, SC. She taught school in Beaufort County, SC as well as Greensboro, NC and Iredell County, NC. She earned a master’s degree in library science at Florida State University, where she was inducted into Beta Phi Mu Library Science Honorary Fraternity.

She married Tom Wright Oglesbee in 1972, and they enjoyed 33 years together. Tom died in 2005, and Harriet missed him greatly. In addition to her parents and her husband, Harriet was preceded in death by her brother, James Harry Barkley.

Harriet leaves behind many cousins and friends who have meant so much to her. Her special friend and helper, Leslie Harper, was a very faithful companion.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 28 in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Warren Wilson College. A Barkley scholarship was established many years ago to honor Harriet’s grandfather. Harriet’s father and many other family members were benefited by Warren Wilson College, formerly Asheville Farm School. To make a donation in memory of Harriet Oglesbee, please visit Make a Gift - Warren Wilson College. Select “I would like to dedicate this gift.” Or send checks “in memory of Harriet Oglesbee” to Warren Wilson College Advancement, PO Box 9000; CPO 6376, Asheville NC, 28815.

Arrangements are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.