Inez Bunce Barbour Obituary
Inez Bunce Barbour, age 85 of Raeford, NC passed away peacefully on the evening of May 07, 2025. She was born April 14, 1940 in Fayetteville, NC to the late Purdie Franklin Bunce and Ethel Mae Jackson Bunce.
Inez was a hard worker and nurturer her whole life. As a child, she had a favorite pet pig named, "Burley" who she said was as smart as any dog. She enjoyed arranging flowers at a young age, which later translated into a passion for interior decorating and outdoor gardening.
She and Lowell married in March of 1956. She was a dedicated mother to her three young daughters, teaching them lifelong skills and values. Inez was a driving force in creating and running several family businesses with Lowell. The family enjoyed fishing and boating together. Her greatest desire for her grandchildren was to make their childhood magical. This ranged from tea parties to birthday parties, and Christmases they will never forget. Easter was always a very special holiday to her, and her granddaughters fondly remember receiving matching fluffy white dresses from her for Easter Sunday. She loved traveling and taking photographs. She spent her last years in Raeford with her brother and sister in law, Jimmy and Carol Bunce. We are grateful for their love and support.
Inez was preceded in death by her husband, James Lowell Barbour (1937-2017); her brother, William Bunce (2009); and infant great granddaughter, Farrah Francis Yates (2006).
She is survived by her three daughters, Pamela Inez Yates Baptiste, of Raleigh, NC, Mary Suzanne Barbour, of Raleigh, NC, and Jamie Lowella Meszaros (Michael, Jr.), of Sanford, NC; five grandchildren, Jerry Lynn Yates (Cameron Stout), Jessica Yates Valin (Daniel), Joseph Yates, Jr. (Heather), Ashton Ward Clawson (Brandon), Jesse Ward; and 10 great grandchildren, Makiya, Patrick, Keeley, Chase, Landon, Josie, Caroline, William, Lily, and Magnolia; and three siblings, Jimmy Bunce, Jackie Bunce, and Mary Lou Burgess.
Her indomitable spirit and passion for life will be missed by all who knew her.
A Graveside Service will be held at Mt. Gilead Baptist Cemetery at 6248 Cliffdale Rd. Fayetteville, NC on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
Arrangements for the family are entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home of Raeford.
