Dorothy "Dottye" Poston Barrier

Albemarle, NC---Dorothy (“Dottye”) Susan Poston Barrier, 80, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Albemarle, NC, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Barrier, a native Miamian, was born on June 03, 1946. She was the eldest daughter of Miami Jackson High sweethearts, Senator Ralph R. and Carolyn Sue Poston of Miami (both deceased).

Dottye enjoyed all the simple pleasures of growing up in South Florida-swimming, boating on Biscayne Bay, and dancing with friends. Summers were often spent making cherished memories at Chimney Rock Camp on Lake Lure or horseback riding during family vacations at Pisgah View Ranch in Candler, North Carolina. These experiences helped foster her lifelong love of the outdoors, adventure, and time spent with family and friends.

Dottye was an active member of Kendall United Methodist Church (where she was later married). While attending Miami Palmetto Junior/Senior High School, she was in the Girl’s Chorus, served on Girl’s Council, was elected a “Girl’s Council Calendar Girl,” and was active in sports.

It was only natural that she attended Pfeiffer University, a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Misenheimer, North Carolina. While there, she met and fell in love with her future husband of nearly 60 years, Jerry Lynn Barrier, a YMCA lifeguard, on a blind date. After Jerry graduated with a degree in Accounting, the couple married in Miami on July 30, 1966. Just ten days later, Jerry departed for a 12-month tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Air Force.

Jerry returned to Concord NC a year later, and together they began building the life they had dreamed of. The young couple spent the next 14 months at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma before returning to Concord, where they welcomed their first child, daughter Jennifer Lynn Barrier. A few years later, after settling in Albemarle, North Carolina, their son, Michael David Barrier, was born. Michael and his wife, Diane Cox Barrier; presently own the family accounting business: Small Business Solutions.

The Barriers are members of Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle. They are longtime members of the Adult Sunday School class where Dottye served as one of the teachers.

She was also part of The “Inky Fingers” Card Making Group. Dottye’s true ministry was creating and sending her cherished handmade cards. Made with great care and love- they brought joy, comfort, and countless smiles to family, friends, and those who were fortunate enough to receive one.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lynn Barrier; Daughter, Jennifer L Isaman, ( Jeffrey E. Isaman), Clemmons, NC; Son, Michael “Mike” D. Barrier, (Diane C. Barrier), Albemarle, NC; Barrier’s older brother,(deceased) “Rick” Poston (Toshi Poston); sister, Sherry P. Jordan (Harry L. Jordan); Granddaughter, Allison Mansell (Sayre Guthrie), Holly D. Barrier (Jasmen Barrier); Grandsons, Justin Barrier (Mackenzie Barrier); Ethan Isaman, Lucas Isaman; and Nieces, Lisa L. Poston (Tony Rulli); Mindi S.Gay (Phineas Gay); Grand-nephews, Parker Gay, Bowden Gay; Great-Grandsons, Callahan Guthrie-Mansell, Owen “Mossy” Guthrie-Mansell; Great-Granddaughter, Sloane Guthrie-Mansell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at New Bethel Lutheran Church , 21746 Rogers Road, Richfield NC 28137. Private burial at a later date.

Sara Tyson (the angel who cared for Dottye) has been a blessing in all of our lives. We consider her a permanent part of our extended family. The family will be forever grateful to each person with Tillery Compassionate Care team for assisting the entire family during this delicate transition.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in Dottye's honor to Tillery Compassionate Care or Central United Methodist Church, organizations that were meaningful to her and her family. Contributions may be made online, by mail, or by phone through the links and contact information below.

Tillery Compassionate Care

960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001

(704) 983-4216

https://tillerycompassionatecare.org/donate-now/

Central United Methodist Church

https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/Cent999982

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Barrier family.