Kathleen Barry Benson Doyle

Kathleen Barry Benson Barefoot Doyle, age 96, of Angier, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. 

Barry was born on March 19, 1930, in Wake County to the late Aldos Cortez and Eva Kathleen Barefoot of Angier. A graduate of Meredith College, she was a true lifelong learner who dedicated over 30 years of her life to shaping minds as a schoolteacher, a profession where she deeply enjoyed her students. A devoted teacher, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Barry's profound love and memory will be forever carried in the hearts of those she so dearly cherished. 

Her care for education, youth, and community extended well beyond the classroom. She was a member of the Angier Baptist Church, where she was involved in the organization of the church daycare. She was also highly active in the Order of the Eastern Star, holding many leadership roles within the organization over the years. Barry was a member of the Friends of the North Carolina Symphony, was an active member of the Friends of the Library, served as a Girl Scout Leader, and was a member of the Harnett County Retired Teachers Association. Always willing to help others, she also spent many hours volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Her curiosity about the world never faded, and she was an avid reader who loved learning about everything around her. 

As a Master Gardener, she had a passion for planting, growing, preserving, and sharing the food she grew. Barry also loved to read, collect, and prepare recipes for her family and friends. 

Always active and up for an adventure, Barry filled her life with a variety of hobbies including horseback riding, raising animals (including lots and lots of goats), planting flowers, playing cards, fishing, watching birds, stargazing and playing her violin. She was always ready to travel abroad or simply take a ride to visit others. In the fall and winter, she could be found sitting on her porch cracking pecans, while spring and summer were spent attending to her garden. Barry would encourage you to always learn, spend time outside, engage with others, and always remember someone's name. 

She is survived by her loving children: her son, Kenny Doyle, and his wife, Cathy, of Otway; her daughter, Kathy Garnier, and her husband, Drew, of Raleigh; her son, John Doyle, of Chapel Hill; and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Doyle, of Wilkesboro. 

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Nick Doyle and his wife, Julia; Matt Garnier and his wife, Giovanna; Patrick Garnier; Jacob Garnier; Chris Doyle and his wife, Mariah; and Monica Doyle and her husband, Joseph. Her legacy continues through her six great-grandchildren: Cohen, Remi, Sydney, Benson, Parker, and Lucas. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, AC and Eva Kathleen Barefoot, her husband, Kenneth Doyle, her brother, AC Barefoot, her sister, Ruth Bailey, and her son, David.

A private burial will be held at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Barry's honor to the Angier Public Library, 28 North Raleigh Street, Angier, NC 27501, or to the Order of the Eastern Star, Lillington Chapter, 909 S Main Street, Lillington, NC 27546.