All our dear friends, our dear sweet mother passed away March 29, 2014 at her home. Mother was a friend to us and she was always there to take care of us no matter what. She loved life, she loved her family, she loved everyone, she loved her church, her church family and she loved God!
Martina Myers Barnes
was 86 years young. She was a native of Elizabethton, Tennessee. She graduated from Elizabethton High School in the class of 1947. She enjoyed so much her high school years and often spoke of her life long class mates. Mom would tell us kids about being in the high school band and school plays. She was famous for her portrayal of “Carmen Maranda!”
After graduation she married James F. Barnes on July 3, 1947, and moved to the family farm in Gray, TN. Mom loved the country and loved her new family. She would tell us again and again how they taught her so many things, and mom used the same pattern: Work hard, play hard, and go to church.
As her family grew she did to. Mom was active in her community and her church. She served on several committees, PTA (Parent Teacher Association) officer at Gray Elementary and district. She helped and volunteered with scouts, Ruritan and Appalachian Fair. In her church she was a Sunday School teacher, leader in Nancy Jones Circle, United Methodist Women, Young Adult and Older Adult ministry. She loved her Sunday School class “Mary & Martha’s” where she shared meaningful messages of her belief and faith. She loved to sing and be a part of the church choir; loved her “Lively Ladies” group, they shared so many good times. When the church started making apple butter she joined right in the “Apple Butter Gang!”
For all fund raising events at church or community, Mom would make her famous “Chess Pie” to be auctioned and they would go for a good price. Mom loved to entertain at these events with her loving and gracious personality where she would do the “Jitter Bug.”
In 1947 she ran for “Republican State Executive Committee Woman”; was employed at ITT North Electric for several years.
She was truly a remarkable devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, teacher, entertainer and a godly woman that will be missed very much. Rest in peace our dear mother.
Love,
Becky, Frank, and Jeff
She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Barnes; her parents, Maggie and Chester Myers; her brothers, Jimmy and Kenneth Myers; her son-in-law, Laddie R. Olterman.
She had three children: Daughter, Rebecca Barnes Olterman of Gray; Son, James F. Barnes (Frank) and daughter-in-law, Donna of Gray; Son, Jeffrey L. Barnes and daughter-in-law, Eglee of Coral Spring, FL.
Grandchildren: Brandon Barnes and wife Donna of Sulphur Springs; Nicolette Barnes of Coral Springs, FL; Anothy Barnes and wife Kaylee of Baltimore, MD; Vanessa Barnes of Starkeville, Mississippi; Stacy Newton and wife Natalie of Sulphur Springs; Scott Newton and wife Heather of Bowmantown.
Great Grandchildren: Olivia Barnes, Bo Newton, Saylie Newton, Ashlyn Newton, Nicollette Newton, Nicholas Roma, Isabella Roma.
Sisters-in-law, Betty Myers and Irma Lucas, June Barnes, Sister & Brother-in-law, Marjean and Tom Alexander, several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Cheryl Humphrey, mom’s caregiver, and Caris Hospice.
Celebration of Life has been scheduled at Gray United Methodist Church, Thursday, April 3rd with visitation between 2:00 �" 4:00 PM and 5:00 �" 7:00 PM with service at 7:00 PM by Pastor Lloyd Jones.
Burial will be Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11:30 AM at Gray Community Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations to Gray United Methodist Church, 2108 Oak Street, Johnson City, TN 37615 will be appreciated.