Committal
Barbara Vashti Lingerfelt, 73, of Morganton, NC, passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Born in Burke County, NC on August 21, 1950, she was the daughter of the late James Herbert Lingerfelt and Jeanette Jacqueline Peeler Lingerfelt.
Barbara was a member of First Baptist Church in Morganton and the Burke County Retired School Personnel. She was a 1968 graduate of Morganton High School, attended East Carolina University, and graduated with an MA degree in special education from Appalachian State University. She worked in various educational positions, traveling across the state to present workshops pertaining to the education of special children.
Barbara loved animals. She fed many neighborhood cats and had her special cat children, Inky and Rusty. She adopted Baby Piper, an abused dog, and loved her even though she was old and blind. Barbara was a fighter for what is right and helped many parents of special children.
She is survived by her sister, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Ward; nephew, Bryan Duckworth (Karen); nieces, Susan L. Fike (Curt) and Kate L. Caraway (Chris); great-niece, Hayley Caraway; great-nephews, Carson Duckworth, Hayden Caraway, Luke Murray, Noah Murray, Riley Caraway, and Tanner Duckworth; sister-in-law, Marilyn Hotchkiss Lingerfelt; and God-sons, Rob and Zac Denton.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by a brother, Danny Lingerfelt; and brother-in-law, Dave Ward.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to A Better Life Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 8311, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Oh Jackie, We are so sorry and shocked to learn this news just now. Barb was a dear and special lady. Always looking out for the animals and caring for everyone. She will be missed for sure. The Tilleys
Jackie and Family, I am so saddened by Barbara’s death. I had the opportunity to spend time with her at the MHSWAA Board meetings. At our last meeting we had talked about how much fun we had at Christmas when Zac and Rob were young and the important role Danny played at Christmas for them. I will miss our opportunities to share memories with her. God Bless each of you and may he bring you peace and comfort at this time. I know there are so many memories you have that will help you as you remember your time with her. Prayers for each of you. My sincere sympathy, Linda Brown Wright
Seems like I had just received a message through FB from Barbara a few days before she passed. It broke my heart to learn this very sad news. We were neighbors, friends and like-minded humans in dealing with our fellow humans. She was also my sister's classmate at MHS. In addition, she always kept us up to date on the MHS FB page of others passings and any other important news! RIP my sweet, sweet friend Barbara, RIP!!
I light this red candle in memory of my baby sister who will forever be a Wolf pack fan. None of our family knew how sick she was. She did not want us to know. My heart is broken, but I know she is in a better place - not hurting, not sad as we are, not worrying, not trying to fix all the bad things in this world. She is in the arms of Jesus and surrounded by our loved ones and her pets she loved who are also in heaven. Please help us find good homes for Piper, Rusty, and Inky. Jackie
I was so sad to learn of Barbara's passing. She was an amazing person. We used to play together as children. Barbara's family lived 4-5 houses above us. She was awesome at keeping all of our Facebook friends notified about our classmates. She will definitely be missed. Jackie, I send my sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 🙏🙏
I was heartbroken to hear of Barbara’s passing. She helped me so much during my son’s educational journey in BCPS. She was a wonderful person and I will forever miss her.
Jackie, Barbara was a friend of many years. I loved her dearly. I just had surgery so won't be able to attend her service. Jackie, can you call me..828/432-7854, I would love to know what happen to my friend. Thank you deeply. God with you all as you go through the days ahead. Pat
Rest in His peace. You will be missed.