Inga Barrett was born on July 7, 1938, in Tallinn, Estonia to Arvid Valentin and Eleanora Klaus Kuun.
Her family escaped to America from communism in 1945 by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean in a 36’ sailboat. The journey took four and a half months. They landed in Norfolk, Virginia, where Inga attended school. She graduated in 1959 from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a BA degree in Art and Education. She married 1st Lt. Jackie Barrett, USMC on November 10, 1960, in San Diego, California and upon his discharge, they settled in Mt. Pleasant.
Inga taught school, mostly 2nd grade, and retired after 30 years. She loved her teaching days, especially the children. During their 60 years in Mt. Pleasant, Inga and Jackie were members of First Baptist, Argo and Highland Park Baptist churches. In 1981, Jackie and Inga began camping and backpacking in the mountains of Colorado, which included family trips and climbing mountains. In 1991, Jackie and Inga began their 20-year season of summer campground ministry at Yellowstone National Park. Most of the ministry was in Colorado where Jackie was interim pastor at several churches as well as with the Alpine Resort Ministry. This was a blessed time for them, with Leslie, and later with her family spending time with them there. For over 15 years, they also provided worship services for two local nursing homes. This was a great source of joy for them both.
Inga is survived by daughter Leslie Barrett, granddaughter Layne Little, grandson Luke Little, sister and brother-in-law Ulla and Chuck Kemman, and a host of nieces and nephews. For about 45 years, Jackie and Inga hosted the after-Christmas family get-togethers which was a special time for them and the extended family.
Funeral service for Mrs. Barrett will be Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Bates-Cooper-Sloan Chapel. Burial will follow at Farmers Academy Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Friday night, January 24, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM.
An online registry will be available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome. com