March 2, 1931 – July 15, 2022

Martha Inez Queen Barrett, 91, finished her course in faith and was graciously received into her Lord’s presence on Friday, July 15, 2022. Martha was born in Lawndale, North Carolina to the late Joe Asbury and Mittie Newton Queen on March 2, 1931. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Claude Barrett; and siblings, Joe Asbury Queen, Jr. and Helen Queen Johnson.

Graduating from High Point College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education, Martha went on to work in various roles, including the Director of Christian Education for First Methodist Church in Lincolnton, NC. Upon arrival in Kinston, Martha worked as a caseworker for social services before accepting the role of the Westminster Day School Nursery Director, holding this position for 18 years.

Marrying her college sweetheart, Claude, on August 7, 1954, the two went on to raise two wonderful children in a Christian home. Her title as a mother was paramount in her life—a role she continued to cherish throughout her days. Even as her children grew in age and another generation came along, she took her role seriously. Qualities of hard work, humility, and honesty were traits she made sure to instill into her family. Though she knew her children would make mistakes in time, she was always available to empower them with resources to overcome and learn from their trials. Her motherly love was deep and sure, a simple likeness of the love of Jesus that filled her heart.

For those who entered Martha’s home, her affection for flowers was immediately evident. From spring’s first bloom until the harsh frost of winter, Martha’s yard was filled with stunning variety. As a master gardener, she knew what to plant, where to plant, and how to care for it. She could provide the name of any plant with which she came into contact and always kept her yard in immaculate shape. Her willingness to share her bounteous blooms was evident as she kept her church decorated with tabletop arrangements for every meal and event that occurred throughout the years.

Faith was both important and evident in Martha’s life. Fulfilling her membership vows at Queen Street United Methodist Church through her prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, Martha was a constant in the life of the church. A longtime member of the Mrs. Speed’s Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women, Martha created and sustained many friendships in her church family. Her friendly personality and spirit of welcome endeared her to many as she served on Sundays as a greeter for worship. She extended her ministry beyond the walls of the church by working with “Hand-in-Hand”, the church’s school outreach program, as well as visiting with shut-ins and those in retirement homes.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange.

Martha is survived by her son, Joseph Brooks Barrett of Kinston; daughter, Betsey McCarrick and her husband, Donald of Willow Spring; grandchildren, Kristen McCarrick and Alexandria McCarrick; and siblings, Beth Queen Lattimore and Grace Queen Meganson.

A graveside service will be held at a later date from Clover Hill United Methodist Church in Lawndale, NC.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Queen Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 508, Kinston, NC 28502. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.