Betty Jean (Becky) Barfield Hemperley

Betty Jean (Becky) Barfield Hemperley, a sweet and gentle soul, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025. 

Becky was the daughter of the late Mary Will Barfield. She was raised in Thomaston by her mother and aunt, the late Rachel Trice, both of Thomaston, Georgia. Following graduation from the R. E. Lee Institute, Becky went on to achieve her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State College for Women (now Georgia State College and University - GSCW) and her master’s degree from the University of West Georgia. As an elementary school teacher, Becky was able to follow her greatest passion. Becky was a dedicated second grade teacher in Fulton County Public Schools for more than 40 years. Upon retiring, Becky moved home to Thomaston to live amongst her family and childhood friends. She led a happy and busy life in Thomaston as a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Thomaston. She volunteered with the First Baptist Children’s Choir for many years and treasured her membership in, and her fellowship with, her Sunday School class. Becky was proud to be a member of several organizations in Thomaston including the local Retired Teachers Association, DAR, WMU, Prime Timers, and the Thomaston Garden Club.

Her gentle influence was felt by many and none more than her family. Surviving their Momma are her children: Margaret Louise Hemperley Bell and Carl Michael Hemperley (Pam). Becky is predeceased by her treasured cousin Judy Storey Payne (Harold) and survived by Judy and Harold’s daughters Joni Payne Young (Scott) and Julie Ann Payne Crane (Mike), and her cousin Steven Shepard. Surviving their beloved Aunt Becky are niece and nephews: Donna Dobbs Moore (Charles), H. Marcus Dobbs (Teresa), and Philip Raymond Dobbs (Michelle). Surviving their Granby are her grandchildren Sarah Bell Corrado (Justin), Johnathan David Bell, and Mark Anthony Glass, Jr., as well as her great-grandchildren Abigail Faith Atkins, Ashlyn Grace Atkins, and Christian Asa Bell. Granddaughter Jessica Michelle Glass Atkins predeceased her Granby.

Eternal gratitude is given to all of Becky’s special friends, especially to: Diane Malcom, Martha Butler (Johnny), and Pat Corley; as well as the First Baptist Church Bonoth Sunday School class for their devotion, love, and support; the Pass the Salt organization for so many lovingly prepared and delivered meals, and the staff and care-providers of West Village Retirement Community for their tireless commitment to Becky’s care and happiness.

Funeral services for Ms. Hemperley will be held on Friday, April 11, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Interment will follow at South View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Friday.  

Memorials may be made to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.