September 20, 2026, 62, Goldsboro – Dean Autry Barfield, a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord, went to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026, while being cared for in the family home where he was lovingly raised as a child.
Dean was born in Wayne County on February 24, 1964, to the late Randall Autry Barfield and Jo Ann Benton Barfield. Raised in a family where faith was woven into everyday life, Dean learned at an early age that loving Jesus was more than words—it was a life of service, kindness, and devotion to others.
Dean dedicated 44 years of his working life to serving others as a staff development specialist with Cherry Hospital and UNC Wayne Healthcare. Through the years, he touched countless lives with his knowledge, compassion, and willingness to help others grow.
His faith was the foundation of his life. Dean was a member of The First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Goldsboro and had also attended Princeton Church of God. Music was another special part of his faith journey, and Dean faithfully sang in the choirs of both churches. There was something special about hearing Dean lift his voice in praise, and he treasured the opportunity to use his God-given gift of music to worship the Lord.
For many years, Dean was also a beloved part of the ministry of The First Church’s Judgment Day, where he portrayed various characters who helped tell the powerful story of the importance of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through this ministry, Dean used his creativity and talent to reach hearts and share the message of salvation in a way that was both memorable and meaningful.
And then there was Dean’s style.
Dean had an extraordinary eye for interior design and fashion. His home was never simply decorated—it was Dean decorated. Everything had its place, every detail was carefully considered, and when a holiday arrived, Dean was ready. He especially loved decorating for Halloween, transforming his home with the kind of creativity and flair that only Dean could pull off.
The same attention to detail followed him wherever he went. Dean knew fashion, and he knew how to put an outfit together. Whether celebrating a holiday or simply going about his day, he was always dressed for the occasion and looking his best. He had a natural sense of style and a personality to match it—distinctive, confident, and completely his own.
Dean will be remembered not only for his impeccable sense of fashion and his beautifully decorated home, but for the heart behind it all. He was a man who loved his Lord, loved his family, appreciated beauty and creativity, and brought his own special touch to everything he did. He understood that life was meant to be celebrated, and he did so in a way that was uniquely Dean.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister and brother-in-law, Lisa Ann Barfield Barnes and Bishop Jeffrey Lynn Barnes; nephews, Christian Lee Barnes and Nicholas Dean Barnes; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who were blessed to know and love him.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Dean’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Alton Childers officiating. Interment will be on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Though Dean’s earthly life has come to a close, the legacy of his faith, his music, his creativity, his unforgettable style, and his love for the Lord will continue in the hearts of those who knew him. And knowing Dean, we can imagine that Heaven has already received a little more style, a little more music, and certainly a little more personality.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in Dean’s memory to cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
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