Submitted by: Dan Rich

Mary Ellen Barnes

Sept. 8, 1912 - Aug. 4, 2000

South Bend Tribune 8/8/2000

Mrs. Mary Ellen Barnes, 87, dear loved one, who resided on South Kentucky Street, South Bend, Ind., passed away following a brief illness at 4:07 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, in the Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. On Sept. 8, 1912, in Bolingbrook, Ga., she was born to the union of the late John W. and Hattie (Williams) Woodard. Coming from Bolingbrook, she had lived in South Bend since 1924.

She and Walter H. Barnes were united in marriage on April 26, 1934, in South Bend. Mr. Barnes preceded her in death in 1973. She was also preceded in death by a son, Claude Barnhill Jr. on Feb. 6, 1983, in Akron, Ohio. She was a member of Grace A.M.E. Zion Church where she served on the usher board, deaconess board, and was a class leader. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and the Our Day Together Club.

Family members who survive and cherish her memory include a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Eva Jacobs of South Bend; two granddaughters, Linda Ross and Mary Barnhill, both of Atlanta, Ga.; a grandson, Claude (Toni) Barnhill III of South Bend; three great-grandchildren, Chantell Monique Barnhill, Braxton Barnhill and Tamika MaGee; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Barnes will be held at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 9, in the Grace A.M.E. Zion Church. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until noon in the church. The Odessa Chapter #28 of the Order of Eastern Star, P.H.A., will hold a special service at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.