Helen Barkley Obituary

BARKLEY, Helen Entered into eternal rest on the afternoon of February 26, 2007, Helen Lebby Barkley, widow of Matthew Baird Barkley. Residence, Charleston, SC. The relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral services in St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Thursday, March 1, 2007 at eleven o'clock. Interment Churchyard. Friends may call at 91 South Battery, Wednesday between five and seven o'clock. Helen Barkley was born August 25, 1914 in Greenville, SC, the daughter of William Lebby and Ross Haddon Lebby. She was a graduate of St. Mary's Jr. College and The University of North Carolina in Greensboro, NC. Mrs. Barkley was very active in the Charleston community, remaining a life time member of the Junior League of Charleston, The Colonial Dames of America, and The Ladies Benevolent Society. She was an active and devoted member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, teaching Bible classes and serving as President of the parish Episcopal Church Women and ECW President of the Diocese of SC. She also served on the Vestry. She was the first female deputy elected to the General Convention from the Diocese of SC and the first female elected to the Standing Committee. She was recognized as Honored Woman of the Diocese of SC for her Christian leadership. She was a mentor to many women. She is survived by her son Matthew Baird Barkley, Jr., and his wife Eve of Chapel Hill, NC; one daughter Elizabeth Barkley Ravenel and her husband James of Charleston, SC; three grandchildren: James Morris Ravenel, Jr., Helen Barkley Ravenel and Rachel Auserman Barkley. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Elizabeth Ross Ravenel. Memorials may be made to St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or The Bishop Gadsden Residents Assistance Fund, One Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.