Mary Frances House Barnette

Mary Frances House Barnette, 93, of Columbus, GA passed away peacefully on January 6, 2018 at Kindred Hospice. Although her accomplishments were many, her greatest pride was being a loving and loyal mother and grandmother. Mary lived her life fully devoted to God and family.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary with Reverend Billy Duncan and Chaplain Mitch Huling officiating. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm – just prior to the service.

Mrs. Barnette was born January 3, 1925 in Atkins (Lee County), South Carolina, the daughter of the late Frank Hudson House, Sr. and Dorothy Elizabeth Baker House. Mary was a hard worker. She took great pride in doing her very best at everything she undertook whether it was her career, her cooking, her entertaining, or her church activities. She was a long time member of Beallwood Baptist Church, Columbus Georgia where she taught 6th grade Sunday School, Bible School, and sang in the church choir. As a member at Wateree Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina, she served as President of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). Later in life, she enjoyed researching family history and meeting distant relatives either through email or phone conversations. She enjoyed collecting dolls and antiques, music – especially playing the piano and organ, and spending time with family and close friends. She was a charter member of the Memories Doll Club where she served as the secretary/treasurer for many years. Family gatherings were her favorite events where she loved to bake and serve her very special pecan pie.

She was a dedicated worker having retired from West Central Georgia Regional Hospital where she was administrative assistant to the superintendant. Prior to this, she was employed by WRBL TV where she worked in accounting and later as the Executive Secretary to the late Jim Woodruff, Jr. She was a lifetime member of the West Central Georgia Regional Hospital Foundation.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Fred G. Barnette, Sr., and her brothers Frank Hudson House, Jr., and John Shelton House.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Gail Barnette (Wilson) LaFramboise (Mike), of Columbus, GA, son, Gary Barnette, of Columbus, GA, adored grandchildren Chey Wilson (Jill) of Columbus, GA, Brooke Wilson Saalman (Ryan) of Cataula, GA, Ryan Barnette of Nashville, Tennessee and Leah Barnette (Cliff) of Valdosta, GA. Six great grandchildren (Ava, Jacob, Henley, Pike, Madeleine, Hudson), a sister Sarah Barcroft, of Corpus Christi, Texas, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Special thanks to Dr. Dean Chipman and staff, her caregivers … Maria Simons and Sandi Morris, and to the incredible staff at The Gardens of Calvary and Kindred Hospice for their compassion and care. Your dedication, love, smiles, and kind words will not be forgotten.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions can be made to the Valley Rescue Mission, 2903 2nd Ave, Columbus, GA 31904 or CureDuchenne at www.cureduchenne.com