Effie Lee Barrett

Our beloved Effie Lee Barrett, 95, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Fellowship Home. She was born just prior to the great depression on April 25, 1925 to the late Council Edward and Joanna Griffis Brown.
Miss Effie began a long and fulfilling career in the summer of 1942 with Joe Lazarus & Sons Apparel fitting customers in Levi jeans and accessories which would last in excess of 45 years. During this time, she was blessed to be able to form many friendships which still remain to this day. She was well traveled in both work and recreation. Her career would take her to such places as New York, California, and Texas as both a buyer and seller. Some of her many travels took her to places such as Europe, Alaska, and her favorite trip of all the Holy Land where there she was able to ride a camel.
Miss Effie was an elegant lady. She was very young during the great depression and it helped form her as an adult by cherishing her belongings and being frugal. Miss Effie loved flowers and plants. She had a green thumb and decorated the outside of her house with all kinds of beauty and color.
Miss Effie was a very active lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Valdosta where she assisted in the nursery, collected money at the door for Wednesday church night supper, was a member of the Christian Fisherman Sunday School Class and Circle of Believers.
Every morning Miss Effie would start her day off with friends drinking coffee at McDonald's in her own reserved booth until she was no longer able to drive. McDonald's even gave her own visor and a name badge.
Miss Effie helped take care of her late husband Earl until he passed away. They were season ticket holders for the Valdosta Wildcats football team for over 50 years and donated to various charities. Most of all Miss Effie loved and enjoyed her family, friends, and a beautiful well-lived life. One legacy she has left is her unchallenging faith in God.
Effie is survived by her grandchildren, Catherine (Larry) Burleigh Hiers Dean, of Valdosta, Belenda Burleigh, of Mississippi, and Michael Burleigh, of Valdosta; her great grandchildren, Christopher Burleigh, Clifford, Jr. (Chelsea) Hiers, of Clyattville, and Alan Hiers, of Valdosta; her great great grandchildren, Katlynn Burleigh Chaney, of Hahira, Maya Burleigh, of Lake Park, Brantley Hiers, of Clyattville, Mackey Hiers, of Naylor, and Alaina Hiers, of Naylor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl Barrett, and daughter, Barbara Barrett Burleigh.
A funeral service for Effie will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 3pm in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Anthony McPhail officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.