Like father, like daughter:
Providing Hope for College Goldman Barefield, known as Goldie to many, was born on November 20, 1933 in Farner, Tennessee, just minutes from the North Carolina line. Goldie was a jack of all trades, a farmer, gas station owner, a trader, as well as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. The most important role he played in his life was that of a father to his daughters, whom he spoiled whenever he could. Goldie did not have the opportunity to go to college, but he aspired to give that chance to his children. “I wanted to play tennis and be a cheerleader in college,” said Pamela Clark, one of Goldie Barefield’s daughters. “Tennessee Wesleyan kept me close to home and offered me both opportunities.” The legendary Coach Dwain Farmer offered Pamela a tennis scholarship and was influential in her experience at Tennessee Wesleyan. She was thrilled to receive this aid, along with an academic scholarship. “My dad knew my goals and what it meant to me to have a college degree,” said Pamela. “He paid my tuition for the first two years.”
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Goldie did everything necessary to make Pamela’s higher education dreams a reality. In return, Pamela wanted to take the reins and prove that she was equally invested in her journey. “I was stubborn like my dad,” Pamela laughed. “I wanted to pay my last two years, so I did. I was a secretary for the business department, taught a social dance class, and an aerobics class at night to make extra money. Every check Tennessee Wesleyan gave me, I flipped over, signed the back, and handed it back to them to apply the money to my account. I never cashed a check.”
Pamela credits her college experience and extensive work history at Tennessee Wesleyan to her current success as a State Farm Agent. She began her career with State Farm in Sweetwater, Tennessee at the mere age of 22.
