Mary Dora Barfield

Mary Dora Barfield was born on August 21, 1951 in Sumter, SC to her proud parents Philip and Kathryn Gaillard. The family made Charleston their home when she was eight years old. After a long illness she slipped peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior early Sunday morning May 25, 2025.

Tootie, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was as cheerful and kind an adult as she was a child. She was an excellent student. After graduating from St. Andrews High School in 1969 she attended Brevard College where she met the love of her life, Michael Barfield. They married in December of 1972 and welcomed their son, David Michael Barfield Jr., in 1981. As she always called him, her "Angel Baby" was her greatest joy and the light of her life.

After graduating from St. Francis Xavier School of Nursing, she was employed at the hospital for many years before making a career shift to private duty nursing. She excelled at patient care because of her universally respectful attitude and compassion for all she met.

Tootie was a gifted athlete having won local and state level doubles tennis competitions. She also loved surfing at Folly Beach and enjoyed bicycling, water skiing, table tennis, and basketball. She leaves her family with many happy memories of Sunday afternoon backyard croquet games.

Mary Dora's friends and family describe her as kind, carefree, generous, and fun loving. She never met a stranger and made everyone feel welcomed and accepted.

She is survived by her son David Michael Barfield; grandchildren, Carter, and Chloe; brother, Philip (Amelia) Gaillard; sister, Adele (Christopher) Hendricks; six nieces and nephews; and eight grand nieces and nephews.

Tootie's ebullient spirit and captivating laugh will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel (3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy, Charleston, SC) at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

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