Mary Barnes Minshew

NASHVILLE – Mary Barnes Minshew, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on August 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late George Ralph Barnes and Mammie Estelle Joyner Barnes.  She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Boy Vick, Sr.; her second husband, David Earl Minshew; her daughter, Mary Vick Wheeless; and her sisters, Margaret Holland, Jean Williams, and Martha Ann Tyson.

Mary dedicated 28 years of service to Abbott Laboratories before retiring.  She had a deep love for the Lord and was saved many years ago, living a life of faith and devotion.  A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary’s family was at the heart of everything she did.  She wasn’t just a mother to her children—she was their friend, always there to listen, guide, and support them.  Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially the beach.  She cherished her time at her Daytona Beach condo, where she loved feeling the sand between her toes and listening to the soothing sound of the waves.  An incredible cook, Mary, made sure no one ever went without a good meal—especially breakfast.  She had a warm and inviting personality, making it easy for anyone to talk to her.  She will be remembered not only for the love she poured into her family but also for her kindness, wisdom, and the way she made everyone feel at home.

Mary is survived by her son, Billy Vick of Nashville; her step-daughter, Vickie High and husband, David, of Bailey; her grandchildren, Cortney Wheeless Neel (Sid), Caroline Aycock (Justin), Candace Garland (Michael), Claire Wheeless (fiancé Shelton Muse), Kurt Vick (Marci), Sam MacIntyre (Scott), and Preston Vick (Samantha); her 13 great-grandchildren; her son-in-law, Ossie Wheeless; her daughter-in-law, Mindy C. Vick; her sisters, Libby Faroux (Larry), Joyce Faye Minshew (Bobby), Brenda Radford (Mike), Kathy Watson (Mike), Doris Voller, and Cherrill Enroughty; and her brothers, Samuel Barnes (Christine) and George Willard Barnes.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Chris Fowler officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Mary’s memory to The Lodge at Rocky Mount, 3322 Village Road, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.