Mary Ellen “Fred” Barnes, 67, of Harrisburg, departed this world on Saturday, April 1, 2023, peacefully while surrounded by family. She was born March 24, 1956, to Roy and Ruby (Parker) Willbanks.
Mary was of the Baptist faith and spent her whole life surrounded by her family and living on a hill in the Harrisburg-Central community. She retired from Southern Bancorp (formerly Bank of Trumann) where she worked for many years. She loved to travel, especially the beach. Reading and listening to the Beatles were also among her favorite things to do, but her absolute favorite thing was being a Nonny to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother (Ronald Willbanks), one sister (Doris Arnold), and her husband of 47 years, Wayne Barnes. She is survived by her partner, Rick Gillette of Trumann; three children: Heather (John) Kundert of Paragould, Joshua (Bridgette) Barnes of Newark, and Taylor (Willie) Belcher of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren: Kristen (Sam) Hackley, Jamie (Blake) Fore, Kiley (Wes) Holt, Lucas King, Ian Kundert, Logan Belcher, Braxton and Parker Barnes; two great-grandsons: Silas Fore and Patton Holt; and one great-granddaughter-to-be: Pema Fore. Mary is also survived by siblings: Margaret Davis, Larry Willbanks, Betty Jo (Monte) Arnold, and Bobby (Pam) Willbanks; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 1:00 until Service time at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Service time is 2:00 P. M. in the chapel. Bro. Gary Brown will conduct the service. These men will serve as Active Pallbearers: Ricky Willbanks, John Kundert, Blake Arnold, Willie Belcher, Lucas King, and Blake Fore.
