Barbara Irby Bobbitt, 79, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at the Citadel at Mooresville.
She was born on August 1, 1943, in Los Angeles, Calif., to the late Wilson and Martha Harvey Irby.
Barbara graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C., and St. Andrews Presbyterian College (now University) in Laurinburg, N.C. From there she worked in Los Angeles, Calif., for several years until returning to Charlotte. She married Hampton Bobbitt with whom she had one son, Bracey Scott Bobbitt. When that marriage dissolved, she moved back to Los Angeles for 35 years before once again returning to North Carolina to reside in Mooresville. She was quite the bi-coastal girl. In Mooresville, Barbara was on the board of her Homeowners Association, active in the local Newcomers Club welcoming new residents to Mooresville, and served as an usher at Performing Arts Center in Charlotte.
Barbara lived a storied life of strength and perseverance, most notably in the single-handed care and raising of her son, Bracy Bobbitt. Bracy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Then, as Bracy grew up, he had multiple stays each year in the hospital where Barbara had to stay at or near the hospital in support. Ultimately, Bracy’s lungs were so damaged that he needed to have his lungs replaced at 24 years old. His uncle and cousin donated one of their lung lobes for the cause, but Bracy died two years later. No parent should have to bury their child, but Barbara had to.
Barbara is survived by her brothers, Jim Irby of Los Angeles, Calif., and Scott Irby of Livermore, Calif.; and her nieces, Kimberlee Irby of Mooresville, N.C., and Mari Irby of Philadelphia, Pa; and nephews, Scott Irby of Los Angeles, Calif., and Spencer Irby of Red Wood City, Calif.
No services will be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org/donate or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Western Carolinas – Charlotte Chapter, 4600 Park Road Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28209-0201.
Many thanks for your caring thoughts and prayers!
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Bobbitt family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.