Life Story
"If I can help somebody as I pass along
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song
If I can show somebody that he's travelling wrong
Then my living shall not be in vain" – Mahalia Jackson

Celebrating the Life, Love, and Legacy of

Deaconess Deneen Tensley Barfield, life-long resident of Madison, FL, was the daughter of David Thomas Moore and Wanda Weatherspoon Tensley. Both parents, as well as her sister, Earline Irvine, preceded her in death.

Deaconess Barfield was family-oriented. She married her high school sweetheart, Norman Barfield, and together they raised their children, Derek and Alicia (Sade'). Not only was she an encourager and supporter of their children's and grandchildren's endeavors, Deneen, just as most adoring grandmothers, added a little extra love and affection for their grandchildren. The love for her mother was evident when, without hesitation, she readily accepted the responsibility as the caregiver until her mother's transition from this life.

Deneen received her formal education in the local public schools and later earned her certification in childcare. From this training, she eagerly began her career at ACTT Daycare Center and was currently employed at Bright Days Pre-K/Head Start Program. She raised the level of expectation for her students by creatively engaging them in learning new concepts and by modeling good classroom behavior for them to follow. She prepared her students with skills they needed for kindergarten mastery and ultimately for enhancing their future lives. Deneen was proud of the role she played in their enthusiasm for learning. As a matter of fact, many of her former students continued their education after high school and are currently pursuing their own successes and professional careers.

Deaconess Barfield's love for the Lord was evident by the way she lived and interacted with others. She dedicated her life to having a personal relationship with Him and serving Him every day. She was a faithful member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir and willingly fulfilled her responsibilities as deaconess.

In addition to her dedication to her many other roles, Deneen also enjoyed the simple things of life. She was delighted by having meaningful conversations and dining out with her family and friends. She also loved seafood and looked forward to beginning her weekend with the "all-you can-eat" seafood meals at O'Neal's.

Deaconess Barfield completed the plans the Lord had for her. She answered His divine call and transitioned from her earthly life to become Heaven's gain on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

Cherishing her loving memory but mourning her loss are Norman Barfield; her children: Derek Barfield and Alicia (Shanton) Edwards; grandchildren: Kaydence Edwards, Azaria Reddick, Darion Barfield, Sabriyah Barfield, and Tailynn Barfield; siblings: Harry Lee of St. Petersburg, FL, Patricia Tensley of Cairo, GA, Tiffany Moore, Monica Moore, Debra Moore (Wayne) Jenkins, Lisa Moore, and Tammy Moore; mother-in-law: Ruby Barfield; sisters-in-law: Audrey P. Barfield, Carlena Richardson, Angela Barfield, and Latonya Barfield; brothers-in-law: Rev. Albert Lee Barfield, Winford Barfield, Desi Barfield, and Derrick Moore; and special friends: Ellen Cooley, Margie Evans, and Emma Dopson; along with many other loving relatives, co-workers, and sorrowing friends.