Toby Thomas Barfield

Toby Thomas Barfield, our beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend lost a fierce battle with cancer on Sunday, October 15 and has gone to be with her Savior in Heaven and to be with her dad, sister and two grandchildren.

Toby was born at Roper Hospital on April 30, 1955 to Russell Boyd Thomas (predeceased) and Jannie Lee Pendarvis. Toby’s siblings include Russell B. Thomas Jr (Rusty) and wife Carol, Tommy S. Thomas and wife Rachel and Jan A. Thomas (Sam). Toby’s mother-in-law, Frances Barfield and her brother-in-law Pat Barfield and wife Patti are also immediate family. Toby was preceded in death by her youngest sister Helen L. Thomas. Toby’s nieces and nephews include Summer, Trey, Jenna, JW and Jake.

Toby married William R. Barfield (Bill) in December 1981 and was mother to oldest daughter Angela Ashley (Angie) Barfield Laflamme and husband Shawn, and grandchildren Cody, Cade and Lily and youngest daughter Anna Carolyn (Carrie) Barfield Leahy and husband Ryan and granddaughter Neelie Grace.

Toby’s grandchildren Brody and Harper Leahy preceded her in death.

Toby was an honor graduate from College of Charleston in 2003 magna cum laude, and inducted to Phi Kappa Phi following several years as a banker. She subsequently was awarded an advanced degree in literacy education from The Citadel. Toby was an amazing person in all areas of her life. From age six she began to develop her skill as an accomplished pianist and organist and played at multiple churches throughout her life, including James Island Baptist Church and Citadel Square Baptist Church. She “filled in” at many many other churches over the years. Her skillful abilities were in high demand. In her professional life Toby is best remembered as an exceptional teacher, especially of young children at The O’Quinn School of Porter Gaud. Children were naturally attracted to her and she to them. Toby’s unique talents made her a hit with everyone, but especially children. At social gatherings she was much more likely to be seen playing with children than hanging out with adults. She was smart, affectionate, caring and was the ultimate educator. During Holidays instead of giving toys as gifts, Toby gave books to our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We all miss her already, but know she is in a better place and now “hanging out” with her dad, sister Helen and grandchildren Brody and Harper.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 8:30-9:00am at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home - James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. Toby’s Celebation of Life Service will follow at 9:00am. Inurnment will take place at 10:00am at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412.

In place of flowers donations are encouraged to the School of Education at College of Charleston or to your favorite charity.