Thomas Chester Barrett
May 21, 1922 ~ June 2, 2017
On June 2, 2017 Dr. Thomas Chester Barrett passed away at his home in Rocky Mount, NC. He retired as the Dean of Student Services at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia where he worked from 1968 - 1988. He was fondly known as the Jelly Bean Dean as he kept jelly beans on his desk at all times. He also wrote “PSMOT” on notes meaning, “Please See Me On This.” He never missed an opportunity to play volleyball or sports with the students and looked forward to school dances and events and playday annually. He was instrumental in the TNCC Karate Club creation. He loved every student with whom he came in contact and loved all of the faculty as family. He was also a World War II and Korean War Veteran.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Dottie Barrett, of 56 years, a daughter, Danette and granddaughter Danielle all of Rocky Mount, NC.
A Celebration of New Life will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 South Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services, 661 English Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
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Friday 6/9, 2:00 pm
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Thinking of you Danette during this difficult time. Sending love and prayers.
What a beautiful tribute to a very special man. Absolutely love this! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Dottie, I was voice texting and missed that error. Im so sorry about that and all the pain you are suffering.
Enjoyed reading about his life as Dean It was special! May God give you his peace
We met at the airport after attending seminars in Cortland NY about 30 years ago because I was wearing my Smithtown Karate Academy jacket. he came over to tell me that he had family in Smithtown and would like to visit my Dojo one day. He did come to visit me at my Dojo when he went to see his family and has kept in touch with me ever since. he has been an inspiration to me throughout my journey always encouraging, always a friend always sending little notes and articles he found. He was a man to be admired and I definitely did. I shall miss our correspondence and his energy even up to the days prior to his passing. My love and condolences to Daddy Danette and Danielle as well as the rest of the family. I know in my heart I will miss him as will you but I shall try to focus on the good that came from knowing such a wonderful man. Many blessings to all
Dottie and Danette, Irene and I were very sad to hear of Toms death. I worked with him during his TNCC days and will never forget his PSMOTS. He was a great guy and I enjoyed my working relationship with him. As the Dean of Students he always had the students as his top priority and and was very vocal as to his needs. TNCC is a better place because of him. Howard and Irene Taylor Newport News, VA