Harriet Morris Barnes, age 96, of Midland, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Harriet was born in Detroit, Michigan December 30, 1927, to Mary Louise (Reid) Morris and Frederick Kendall Morris.
Harriet graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her greatest role was being a wife and mother to her family. She loved helping people and spent countless time throughout the years volunteering with different agencies, including Foster Grand Parent for MISD, Activity Director at Manor Park and an Assistant teacher at Midland Montessori School. Harriet also shared her time as a Girl Scout leader, serving in the PTA, being a Docent at the Petroleum Museum, helping the Children’s Service League, and assisting as a Pink Lady at Midland Memorial Hospital.
Church was very important to Harriet since she was a child. She was a longtime member of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity where she served on the Altar Guild. She loved God and had no fear, knowing she would be with Jesus when she passed.
Harriet had many hobbies that she loved, and they included: Bridge, Canasta, Garden Club, line dancing with the Tall City Dancers, reading and word puzzles. She loved practicing yoga and aerobics at the YMCA as well as water aerobics at the COM for over 30 years. She rode her exercise bike until the end of her life. Harriet also loved to travel all over the world and always said “it will be an adventure.”
Harriet had a love for animals, and she adopted many cats and dogs over the years. Her favorite dogs were Afghan Hounds, Poodles and Scottish Terriers. She rescued many feral cats lovingly known as Charlie, Miss Kitty, Baby and Little Girl.
Harriet had many beautiful friends that she loved dearly, especially the late Ruth Petigrew of Ventura, California and the late Natalie Cutter Lake of Midland, Texas. She met them both in the early 1950’s when they all lived in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Harriet loved to entertain, especially hosting large holiday celebrations with friends and family. Harriet met her husband William Lincoln Barnes III when they were 13 years old at the Detroit Public Library; where she worked as a page, and he was an elevator operator. They married in Detroit in 1948.
Harriet is survived by her daughter Betsy Ann Owens; her daughter Carol Louise Overton (David Overton); and her son John Reid Barnes (Karen Barnes); her five grandchildren and her eight great grandchildren.
Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Louise (Reid) Morris and Frederick Kendall Morris; and her brother, Frederick Kendall Morris Jr.
Harriet was known for her kindness and generosity and donated to many charities. She was a Midland Resident for 56 years and absolutely loved Texas. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be sent to animal rescues.
A funeral service for Harriet will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W Illinois Ave, followed by a graveside committal at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N Big Spring St.
Serving as pallbearers are John Barnes, David Overton, Abby Rawlins, Kyle Rawlins, Michael Johnson and Blake Umsted.
The family would like to thank Blake Umsted for his many good deeds and kindness over the last 31 years.
