Obituary for Barbara Tolbert Lambert of Morganton

MORGANTON, NC (March 12, 2017)…Barbara Tolbert Lambert, age 73, of Morganton and best known to her family and friends as “Boogie”, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at Catawba Regional Hospice on Robinson Road in Hickory. She fought a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Barbara was born on May 19, 1943, and was the daughter of the late James L. “Boots” Tolbert and Paralee “Sis” Ramsey Tolbert. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Roy Allen Lambert and her brother James L. “Buzzy” Tolbert Jr. As you may have guessed, the family loved nicknames!

A lifelong resident of Morganton, Barbara was a proud member of the Morganton High School Class of 1961 and met with classmates until her health declined. She was also fond of the time she spent with her “Drexel Girls” who worked with her in the office at Drexel Furniture Company.

Following her work at Drexel, Barbara served as Education Secretary of First Baptist Church Morganton until her retirement in 2010 after 37 years of service. She was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Morganton and was a beloved member of the Agape Sunday School Class. Barbara was especially admired for her ability to direct and plan weddings for countless brides in the community.

Barbara actively supported the Youth Ministry of First Baptist, Boy Scout Troop 184 and helped to establish the Chrismon Tree tradition at the church.

Certainly important to her was the love she had for the Carolina Tar Heels and her Creekside neighbors. Everyone knew when a big game was being played because “the driveway would be filled with cars”. Their home was Tarheel headquarters when the team was on the court or field and she was happiest after a Carolina win! Barbara had been an avid bridge player and enjoyed tennis with her friends.

Left to cherish her memory is Barbara’s only son, Mark “Bubba” Lambert who was her devoted caretaker; her aunt, Gladys Thomas of Valdese; uncle, Bill Stewart of Morganton; brother-in-law, Rev. Kenneth Lambert and wife Helen of Taylorsville; sister-in-law Doris Lambert of Valdese; special cousins; Jeana Whisenant and husband Ed, Debbie Thomas, Miriam Pace, Ron Black and wife Mardee, Jim Black and wife Wilma, Steve Black, David Black and wife Karen, June Cook and husband Mike, Gail Bordner and husband Danny, Peggy Scronce and Lisa Stroupe and husband Mike. Many of her Tolbert cousins also cherished childhood memories with Boogie; Lynn, Patti, Susan, Mike, Cindy, Wanda, Sandy, Randy, Billy, Peggy and Mabel all will remember time at their grandparents’ home. Surviving are several nieces and nephews as well.

Barbara had so many dear friends who were “like family” and they too will remember her with smiles and laughter in the days to come.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 15th, from 1:00-3:00 PM in the Kistler House Parlor at First Baptist Church of Morganton with the Service at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary officiated by Dr. Tom Bland and Rev. Fred Schuszler. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park in Drexel.

Pallbearers are Rob Gallagher, Alex Gallagher, Scott Black, Trey Setzer, Matt Lowdermilk, Charles Conley and Tom Oxentine.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to your choice of these charities:

First Baptist Church Morganton
502 West Union Street
Morganton, NC 28680-0459

Catawba Regional Hospice
3975 Robinson Road
Newton, NC 28658

Alzheimer’s Association-Western Carolina Chapter
Mountain Region Office
31 College Place Ste D320
Asheville, NC 28801-2644

Mackie Funeral Home Granite Falls is serving the Lambert family.  You may view the obituary online at www.mackiefh.com.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family…