Anne Farley Barefoot of Hallsboro passed away on Saturday, October 31st 2026 at the age of 92. Born on March 9th, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Chester Arthur and Mildred Norment Farley of Hallsboro. She is predeceased by her husband, Joe Blake Barefoot, her brother, Jack Farley, and her son-in-law, Dan Biser.
Anne was a member of the Hallsboro High School class of 1952. She was a proud graduate of East Carolina University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in 1956 and Master’s degree in 1960.
Known to countless students as Mrs. Barefoot, she began her science teaching career at Acme Delco High School in 1955. She later went on to join the science department at Whiteville High School in 1964 where she taught physical science, chemistry, and physics. Her classroom and labs were always alive with explanations, demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on experiences for her students. In 1983, she was honored by President Reagan in the first class of recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Her teaching legacy is in the brilliance and success of her students who, inspired by her love for learning, went on to successful careers in the sciences, medicine, engineering, law, and, of course, education. She retired from the classroom in 1992.
Mrs. Barefoot continued working in the field of science education until 2005. A textbook author and science consultant for Glencoe/McGraw Hill, she traveled all across the country leading workshops and sharing best practices with science teachers, finding a niche with the use of “Toys and Treats” to teach scientific principles. She was a lifetime member of the National Science Teachers Association.
A life-long learner and educator, she shared countless life and science lessons with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years.
She is survived by daughter JoAnne Biser of Hallsboro and Art Barefoot of Bahama; five grandchildren, Blake (Tim) Brookshire, Blair Biser, Jennie Marie (Kurt) Bryan, Cade (Taylor) Barefoot, and Acelynn (Alex) Bock; great grandchildren Adam, Ella, Marie, Chloe, and Sydney; and best friend and birthday twin Shirley Jo Smith.
A graveside service will be held at Flynn Cemetery on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:30 am with Rev. Cade Barefoot officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones after services from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Barefoot home.
The family is forever grateful for her care team of angels: Betty Jo Barnhill, Brenda Musselwhite, Devoria Anders, Pauline Smith, Rene Smith, Kathy Graham, Kathy Spaulding, and Dannie Dudley.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Sparta United Methodist Church, PO Box 697, Sparta NC 28675 or Southeastern Community College Foundation for scholarship assistance for future teachers and nurses, P.O. Box 151 Whiteville, NC 28472
McKenzie Mortuary
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