August 20, 2025, 93, Goldsboro —
Lillian Marie Barfield Hart went to be with her lifelong Savior on August 20, 2025. She was known by many as Marie, Mom, Nannie and The Ribbon Tree Lady.
She was born February 17, 1932 to the late Jesse and Betty Barfield in Kinston N.C. Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 75 years, Donald W. Hart Sr. “Jack”.
Marie was a warrior for her Lord and Savior, along with taking care of her family. She was a faithful member of United In Christ Church in Goldsboro and prior member of Clingman Street Church of God where she and her family worshipped for many years. She was an avid cake maker and decorator. She was always known by her hand-made crafts of Ribbon trees, napkin rings, duck pillows, costumes, bibs and Dorothy curtains. From designing, sowing, stitching, baking and making, she always saw ways to earn extra income by selling things she made while taking care of her home and family. She worked as a lead shoe seller at Leaders of Goldsboro and at The Steak Barn in Goldsboro as a waitress.
She is survived by two daughters, Phyllis Stewart and Linda Boyle (Bill) of Goldsboro, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Kimberly Stewart, Angela Chapman (Jeremy), Jennifer Perkins, Allison Ham (Andrew) of North Carolina, Donya Talley (Travis) of Arkansas, Jeri Ferko (Jeff) of Blanch N.C., Billy Stewart Jr. (Merrilee) of Virginia and Sarah Cosgrove (Ryan) of Florida; fifteen great-grandchildren, Travis Ham (Danielle), Jacob Ham, Aiden Talley, Kade Talley, Ethan Ferko, Mallory Ferko, Greyson Ferko, Brady Perkins, Josie Perkins, Rylan Cosgrove, Lillyana Cosgrove, Ryder Cosgrove, Riot Cosgrove, Finley Ham and Coral Ham.
Marie was also preceded in death by her son, Donald W. Hart Jr. “Don” of Seven Springs, N.C.; sons-in-law, Ronnie Lee and Billy Stewart Sr.; granddaughter, April Lee of Goldsboro, N.C.; a grandson-in-law, Calbert Perkins Jr. “Lee” of Angier, N.C. and a great-grandson, Robert L. Blackburn of Goldsboro, N.C.
Marie had nine siblings to preceded her in death including her brothers, Willie Barfield of Kinston N.C., Oscar Barfield of Tempe, Arizona, Henry Barfield of Kinston, N.C., John D. Barfield of Kinston, N.C., Jesse Barfield of Bloomsburg, P.A. and James Barfield “JB” of Rosehill, N.C and her sisters, Annie Holloway of Kinston, N.C., Alma Benton of Virginia and Alice Swaney of Kinston, N.C.
Our grandmother taught us how to love and what every family should be blessed to have. Us, grandkids agree that Nannie and Papa’s house was our Home and filled our lives with such special and everlasting memories. Marie was rarely seen without her make-up, hair done, and in proper clothes. Her homemade from scratch meals and cakes were amazing and her house was always impeccable. She made miracles every holiday season, but greatest miracle and blessing was having her as a grandmother. Nannie, you’ll be dearly missed by us.
The family will receive friends Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro with a service to immediately follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Kinston, N.C. with Reverend Ira Williford officiating.
Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro, N.C.
