In the quiet town of Talbott, Tennessee, the community was shaken by the tragic death of Mickey Yana Wykle Barbely, a 66-year-old White female, on Saturday, July 8, 2023. A beloved adjunct professor at Walters State Community College and a dedicated Director of Research for the Jackie Lyles Group, her unexpected passing left a void in the hearts of many. She was known for her selfless and caring nature, always willing to go the extra mile to help her students and others.
The circumstances of her death were particularly harrowing for those who knew her. On that Saturday evening, at approximately 6:59 p.m., a 911 call was placed from her residence on Marie Street. The caller was her husband, 69-year-old Charles Barbely, who starkly informed the dispatcher that he had shot his wife. When Hamblen County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at the scene, they found Charles Barbely on the front porch. He placed a handgun on the porch and was taken into custody without incident.
Upon entering the home, deputies discovered Mickey Barbely, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The community mourned the loss of a woman described as having a loving heart and being all smiles. Her dedication to her students was so profound that in 2019, she was named the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Member at Walters State, a testament to her passion for education. Beyond her professional life, she was a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt who cherished her family and her beloved cats.
Following the incident, Charles Barbely was arrested and taken to the Hamblen County Jail. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder. A court later denied him bond. The legal proceedings against him are a somber reminder of the events that transpired, leaving a community to grapple with the loss of one of its own. A memorial service was held to honor Mickey Barbely's life and the positive impact she had on so many.
