Mrs. Mamie S. (March) Barnes

UTICA - Mrs. Mamie S. (March) Barnes, age 93, made her transition from earth to glory, to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 3, 2019. She passed away peacefully, with her loving family by her side at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare. Born in Clayton, Alabama on September 9, 1926, Mamie was the daughter of the late Jerry and Alice (Ware) March. She was raised and educated in Clayton schools. In 1951 she married R.T. Barnes with whom she shared 12 years as perfect partners in a marvelous marriage. Sometime after their marriage, they made their way to Utica to be closer to family. Her husband passed away in 1963, and Mamie held his memory close to her heart to her last day. Mamie’s main interest in life was caring for her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her home. How proud she was to be able to greet her children at the door when they arrived from school and have a meal on the table for them that was made with love. In respect of her motherly ways, she was a foster parent to numerous pre-school children at Head Start. As the matriarch of her family, she was a loving sister who looked over her siblings and was loved as a mother figure. A strong woman of God, Mamie was loyal, honest, gentle, and kind. She was also strong-willed and determined to teach her children discipline, respect, and the ability to love themselves as well as others. Boy, did she love to cook! The table was filled with traditional soul food and her delectable desserts were outstanding. She prepared everything in abundance that was only one of the ways that she showed her hospitality, her love, and the importance of having everyone at the table. She knew each of her children’s favorite foods and she found the time to please all their palates. Until her last days, she never forgot a birthday or special day; she honored those she loved. Her children all found a way to show their Mom their love. Several examples of this include, her son Gene being her fish-fry supplier, and her son-in-law and Pastor preparing his special soup for her. Mamie enjoyed shopping and seeking the best bargains. She made her own trips to the grocery store and was proud to remain independent. Traveling with her family was a delight, especially when the destination was to see her loved ones. She was a trusted woman, and younger women sought out her wisdom. She kept things to her heart as a wise teacher does. Mamie was a member of St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ for over 50 years. She was supportive of her pastor and son-in-law, Reverend J.L. Griffin, who always took her to heart and thought the world of her. The church was paramount for Mamie, and she would serve her congregation in any way she could. She was a member of the Young Women’s Christian Council (YWCC), ministering to women and dedicated to Christian Service in the church and community, the Mothers Board, and the First Aide Community. She engaged body and soul whenever listening to spiritual Christian music. It is not often that women of this caliber come into our midst and we are only blessed to have known her, loved her, and shared in her goodness. Mamie is survived by her children and their loved ones: Will and Maureen Barnes, Harold Barnes, Missionary Eva and Rev. J.L. Griffin, Gene Barnes and Serena, Robert and Trunell Barnes, Mary Barnes, Gussie Curry, Norman Barnes, Betty Barnes, and Minnie Smith; 19 grandchildren, and always close to her heart was the memory of her grandson Dwight Maddox who preceded her; 37 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sisters, Queen Williams, Ida Samuel, and Lena Johnson; brothers and sister-in-law, Jerry March, Charles March, and Joseph and Mae Frances March; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, goddaughter Danielle Brook and special nephew Travis Griffin; extended family, Ernest and Darlene Brown, and Jim and Dawn Winston; and the many friends who loved her and were cherished by her through her journey of life. She was predeceased by two sisters, Lula Belle Green, and Carrie McCloud; and one brother, Boysie March. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Sultana Razia (and staff), Dr. Jonathan Blancaflor, and Dr. Porus J. Dhabhar (and staff), for providing Mamie with the best medical attention and compassionate care possible; the staff of St. Luke’s Healthcare who were phenomenal in tending to Mamie and her family, especially the 6th floor personnel; and her beloved son-in-law, Pastor J.L. Griffin — they shared daily a common bond of love and spirituality. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:00-11:00 at St. Matthew’s Temple Church of God in Christ, 110 Washington Street, Utica. Mamie’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at the church at 11:00, with her son-in-law, Pastor J.L. Griffin officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Mamie S. (March) Barnes

September 9, 1926 - October 3, 2019