Nada Claire (Miyat) Barnett

On April 23, 2022, Nada Miyat Barnett, a resident of Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, NC, died peacefully in her sleep.  She was 95 and recently had been in declining health.  Born on March 1, 1927 in Madelia, MN, Nada was the third child of the Reverend Alexander Miyat and Goldys Triplett.  Her older sisters Priscilla and Alexa predeceased Nada.  Her younger brother James (Joan) of North Venice, FL survives her.

Nada’s father Alexander was a Presbyterian minister who led congregations in Madelia and Greenfield, IN.  Nada graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Elementary Education.  She then attended and graduated from McCormick Seminary in Chicago, IL receiving a Masters in Christian Education.  After a brief stint teaching in Michigan City, IN, Nada accepted a position as the Head of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Evansville, IN.  There she met Charles W. Barnett and they were married on September 3, 1955.  Shortly thereafter, Nada and Charles relocated to Alexandria, VA and Simpsonville, MD because Charles accepted a job with the National Security Agency. 

Nada worked as a substitute schoolteacher while raising three sons and eventually became a Children’s Librarian at the Howard County Library where she loved creating animated story times for young readers.  Nada was also an energetic and engaged member of the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, MD.  She served in countless roles in the church including Elder and Deacon, led multiple Circles, and was a founding member of the Faithful Circle Quilters launching a life-long passion for quilting. 

Nada and Charles retired to Sherwood Forest in Brevard, NC in 1987.  They joined Brevard Presbyterian Church and traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad.  In 2001, they moved to Highland Farms, joined Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, and again Nada threw herself into innumerable activities from hosting teas to overseeing the annual book sale to welcoming new residents.  Nada also served on the Board of Warren Wilson College. 

Nada is survived by her three sons Andy (Tricia) of Buchanan, NY , Ben (Missy) of Unionville, PA, and Jon (Chrissy) of Columbia, MD.  Nada is also survived by six grandchildren - -Kayla, Shaun (Joanna), Emily, Brian, Eric, and Anabel. 

Nada dedicated her life to following the Lord’s word and way and she touched so many people’s lives along her journey,  Her family plans to hold a memorial service and celebration of her life in late July 2022 at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow at Givens Highland Farms. 

Penland Family Funeral Home is Honored to be serving the Barnett family at this time.

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