Mary Moulton Barden, age 90, died peacefully at her home in Trent Woods on August 8, 2017. Born in New Bern on April 7, 1927, Mary was the daughter of George Clarke Moulton and Myrtle Disosway Moulton. She graduated from New Bern High School (Class of 1944), St. Mary’s College in Raleigh, and earned a B.A. degree in art history from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. On June 18, 1949 she married Dr.Graham A. Barden, Jr. who survives her.

“Though she be but little, she is fierce” (William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) aptly describes Mary Barden. She was passionate about family members including those from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. She was always there for her husband, children and grandchildren. “Mary B” enthusiastically encouraged them in all their pursuits and actively participated when possible. Mary and Bardie loved spending time at their house on Cape Lookout. After hauling a boatload of coolers, she would entertain and cook for their many friends both with and without electricity (but always with mosquitoes).

When Mary discovered a trunk of letters written by her great-grandmother, Mary Bayard Clarke, a new passion was born. For 25 years she researched the letters and co-authored a biography, Mary Bayard Clarke: Live Your Own Life, incorporating them. Mary loved New Bern and was an active member in the New Bern Historical Society. She and Bardie took pride in showing newcomers the city often taking them for boat or amphicar rides on the Trent River.
In recent years, Mary battled Parkinson’s disease. The family would like to thank her caregivers Tonya Collins, Angela Gaines, Latoya Collins, Yvette Dixon, Vickie Williams and Charmeko Bryant whose compassionate and attentive care added years to her life.

In addition to her husband of 68 years, Mary is survived by their daughter, Maryann Berry and husband Dr. John Berry, Jr. of Kinston, NC, their son Dr. Graham A. Barden, III and wife Nora of New Bern, grandchildren Dr. John Berry VII and wife Jennifer, Dr. Barden Berry, Chase Barden and wife Brittiany, and Emily Barden and fiancé Kendall Wall, great-grandchildren John Berry VIII and Ella Berry and her beloved dog Punkin.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 2:30 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Christ Episcopal Church, The New Bern Historical Society, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be directed here on the Pollock-Best website.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Mary M. Barden, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.