Barbara Hemphill

Barbara Hemphill passed away on September 30, 2024. She is survived by her three children, Nathan, Reid, Ashley Bird, her son-in-law, Kevin Bird of Charlotte, NC, and her sister, Elizabeth Hoagland, of Plymouth, MA. Barbara was a graduate of Myers Park High School and attended Columbia College in Columbia, SC.

Barbara loved her time as a preschool teacher at Providence UMC Weekday School. Even after retiring, she enjoyed spending time with her tight-knit group of teachers who were very dear friends to her.

She was one of the sweetest, most dedicated mothers anyone could ask for. She loved her children tremendously and made each holiday something special.

Aside from her family, Barbara loved to read. It is impossible to calculate the number of books she read over the course of her life as she read at least several books a week. Her weekly visits to the local library taught us the value and joy of reading. It even inspired her husband, Jack, to become a writer in his retirement years. Barbara loved being a longtime member of the Governor’s Square Neighborhood Book Group where she also developed cherished, long-time friendships.

Barbara also had a passion for cooking. She could make any dish or dessert you can imagine–all of them delicious! She had a huge collection of cookbooks, recipes written down everywhere and clippings out of magazines all through her notebooks.

Anyone that knew Barbara, knows how her laugh could brighten up any room and bring happiness to everyone. We will miss hearing her laughter the most.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held for both Barbara and Jack in Plymouth, MA next year.

To honor Barbara’s spirit, please consider donating to the Special Olympics, www.supportspecialolympics.org, or to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, www.cmlibrary.org.