Harriet Barkley Oglesbee

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

Born on September 27, 1939, in Iredell County, Harriet was the daughter of the late Harry Earl Barkley and Beatrice Gainey Barkley. She grew up in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and graduated from Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, she taught in Beaufort County, South Carolina, as well as in Greensboro and Iredell County, North Carolina. She later earned her master’s degree in library science from Florida State University, where she was inducted into the Beta Phi Mu Library Science Honorary Fraternity.

In 1972, Harriet married Tom Wright Oglesbee, with whom she shared 33 wonderful years until his passing in 2005. She missed him deeply. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Harry Barkley.

Harriet is survived by many beloved cousins and dear friends who enriched her life. She also leaves behind her special friend and devoted caregiver, Leslie Harper, whose companionship and care meant so much to her.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Troutman Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Warren Wilson College, where a Barkley scholarship was established years ago in honor of Harriet’s grandfather. The college—formerly Asheville Farm School—played an important role in her family’s history. To make a gift online in memory of Harriet Oglesbee, please visit the Make a Gift - Warren Wilson College giving page and select, “I would like to dedicate this gift,” or by mailing checks marked “In memory of Harriet Oglesbee” to: Warren Wilson College Advancement, PO Box 9000, CPO 6376, Asheville, NC 28815.

Donations may also be made in her honor to Covenant ARP Church of Statesville, North Carolina.

Arrangements are entrusted to Troutman Funeral Home.