Laura Curtis. She was educated in St. Mary’s County Public Schools. On August 31, 1933, she married her
childhood sweetheart, the late Willis A. Barnes, in Chaptico, Maryland. They relocated to Washington, D.C.
where they settled to raise their family. They were devout Catholics and attended St. Vincent De Paul Catholic
Church and later, St. Luke Catholic Church, both in Washington, D.C. Mom was known as Aunt Forrestia to
many in her family, and affectionately called “Tootie” by Dad. Mom and Dad were married for 65 years before
his death in January, 1999.
From this union, ten children were born. Doris, Carlton, (deceased), Alfred, (deceased), Shirley, Irving,
Yvonne, (deceased), Theresa, Arnold, Brenda and Aaron. Anthony Wilson, her grandson, was also raised by
Mom and Dad. Mom was devoted to her husband and children.
Mom was a housewife rearing, caring for, and educating her children. She enjoyed helping her husband, who
was a chef, and cooked often for their large family. Once the children married and had families of their own,
they would all come over to the house on most Sunday’s for dinner and fellowship. Mom also enjoyed visiting
and fellowshipping with her siblings, in-laws and their families, who also migrated to Washington D.C. They
would often have cookouts together and played card games. Mom attended a number of activities while living
here in Washington such as: the annual flower show, musicals, plays and other cultural events that may have
piqued her interest. In their later years, Mom, along with Dad, participated in the Senior Olympics, winning 38
medals between them. They would often hit the road, travel and vacation with their children and family
members. Though Mom had several hobbies and activities, the most important on her list was taking care of the
“apple of her eye” and beloved husband, Willis. They were like two peas in a pod. Sometimes, when Dad was
having a little too much fun, mom would simply, give him “the look”. After years of caring for and raising her
family, Mom decided to go to work for McGraw Hill Continuing Education Center here in Washington, D.C.
from which she retired after 10 years of service in 1982.
On June 11, 1983, Mom and Dad were invited, along with one hundred and fifty seven other couples, to renew
their vows after 50 years of marriage at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
This beautiful, very special occasion was officiated by the late, Cardinal James A. Hickey, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
We graciously acknowledge the good that Mom has done for her husband, children, grandchildren, other family
members and friends of the family. Mom’s actions symbolized the vitality and stability of Catholic family life.
She was a living testament that a lifelong, and fruitful Christian marriage is God’s reward to those who use His
grace well.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Willis A. Barnes. Three of her children, sons Carlton, Alfred and
daughter, Yvonne Plater Burton. Four sisters, Virginia Young, Marie Woodland, Gladys Gross, and Margaret
Thomas and three brothers, George, Lloyd and Thomas Curtis. Mom leaves to cherish her memory, four
daughters, Doris E. Jones, Shirley M. Braxton (Claude, Jr.), Theresa F. Johnson (Harry, Jr.), and Brenda M.G.
Lucas. Four sons, Irving (Jean), Arnold (Glenda), Aaron and Anthony Wilson (Randy) and daughter-in-law, Irene
Barnes. Fifty three grandchildren and numerous great- great great- and great great great grandchildren spanning
6 generations, and a host of other family and friends.
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