Marie Barnes

Marie Hux Barnes 87, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Parkwood Village. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, August 9, 2024, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson.

 The family will receive friends Friday afternoon from 12 – 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

 Marie was born on October 15, 1936, near Oak City. Her childhood years were difficult after she lost her father when was very young. This tragedy separated her family, and she and her younger sister, Janice, were raised apart from her two other siblings. Nevertheless, she was loved and developed a strong work ethic, a thirst for learning, and a drive for perfection. Marie graduated salutatorian of her high school class and went on to become a registered nurse in Wilson County. She had a vast and rewarding career as a nurse, working at Wilson Memorial, the NC Eastern School for the Deaf, the NC prison in Nash County and later ending her career as a Wilson County Home Health Nurse. 

While attending nursing school, she met the love of her life, Vernon Barnes, and married him in 1958. They enjoyed life together for sixty-four years and had many adventures, including house boating and RV travel. Family was central to her life. Marie loved it when all her family could gather for holidays and special occasions. Laughing and playing with her grandchildren was her greatest joy. 

Marie was an avid reader and loved art. In her retirement years, she learned to paint and grew into a talented and accomplished artist. She exhibited her work in several art shows and was so excited when, in her 70’s, she sold her first piece of art.

 Marie was a member of Winstead United Methodist Church in Wilson and later Hillsdale United Methodist Church in Advance. Marie faithfully served each of those churches, and the Lord blessed her life in many ways. She will be remembered as a woman of faith with a fierce love for her family.

 Marie is survived by her sons, Brent Barnes and wife, Janet, and Phillip Barnes and wife, Lisa; granddaughters, Melissa Kolodziej and husband, Michael, Cassie Proctor and husband, Zack, and Kelly Hood and husband, Tyler; grandson, Josh Barnes and wife, Wendy; great grandchildren, Catherine Barnes and Lane Proctor and her sisters, Shirley Hux and Peggy Whitecotton. 

Marie was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-four years, Vernon Hackney Barnes and her beloved sister, Janice Hayes. 

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of the BTR unit of Parkwood Village and Gentiva Hospice of Wilson for the excellent care and love they gave to Marie.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Marie’s memory to Gentiva Hospice of Wilson, 2841 Daisy Lane N, Suite E, Wilson, North Carolina 27896.

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.