Obituary of Patricia L. Barnett

Patricia (Patty) Levi Barnett, age 88, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Born September 13, 1927 in Sumter, S.C., Patty was the daughter of the late Wendell Mitchell Levi and Bertha London Levi. She was graduated from Sumter High School in 1944 followed by a twelfth grade year at Ferry Hall School in Lake Forest, Illinois. She received a B.A. in Chemistry from Sweet Briar College in 1949. She then studied for her Master’s Degree in Chemistry at Wellesley College where she taught Physics and Chemistry as a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) for $1/day plus room and board. Her studies were interrupted after a year when she met and married her late husband, Henry Davis Barnett (Bubba) who brought her back to Sumter. A gracious and elegant hostess known for her beauty, style, as well as brains, she made every occasion and holiday a treat. She created a wonderful, happy and beautiful home for her family and enjoyed bridge and antiquing with her friends. When the need arose she worked for 15 years as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Palmetto Pigeon Plant, which her father founded. Always a believer in giving back, she was a member and treasurer of the Sumter Junior Welfare League, on the Sumter County Museum Board of Directors and Foundation Board, and a supporter of the Sumter Art Gallery, the Sumter Art Association, Sweet Briar College and USC Sumter. At Temple Sinai she served as a trustee, president and treasurer of the Sinai Sisterhood for numerous years, and taught religious school. A member and past president of The Drama Club, she was also in the Sumter Art Association, The Assembly, The Cotillion, and was a charter member of the Trian Club. She will be greatly missed by her children: Patricia Barnett Greenberg (Dr. Phillip), Henry Davis Barnett, Jr. (Rachel), and Wendell Levi Barnett; grandchildren: Phillip Barnett Greenberg (Heather), Dr. Andrew William Greenberg, Patricia (Patty) Greenberg Shenkman (Drew), Emily Claire Levinson, Michael Chase Levinson, and Alexander Levi Barnett; great-grandsons: Phillip Barnett Greenberg, Jr. and Brody Davis Shenkman. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Kathryn Weinberg Levi and nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her twin brother, Dr. Wendell Mitchell Levi, Jr. and sister, Estella Levi Kirchheimer. The family would like to thank Compassionate Care Services and Amedisys Hospice Care for the superb care and compassion given during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Henry D. Barnett Memorial Scholarship Endowment, USC-Sumter, 200 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150 Attn: Joyce Hodge, the Sumter County Museum, or the charity of one's choice. The funeral will be Sunday, 2:00 PM, June 5, 2016 at Temple Sinai in Sumter followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will follow at the Sumter Jewish Cemetery with Rabbi Marcus Sanford officiating. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. 803-775-9386