Born in Loveland, Colorado on May 1, 1952, Mary Jane was the first child born to Joe Wilford Barnett and Mary Eutha McFatter Barnett. Due to her father’s work for the US Bureau of Reclamation, she lived in six states while growing up before arriving in Denton, Texas in 1971. She studied Library Science at then North Texas State University, eventually earning her PhD in 1989. After working in nonprofit organizations that supported senior citizens and rehabilitation needs, she returned to the north Texas area and was a help and support when her mother’s sight failed.
Mary Jane’s Baptist faith strengthened her during her many health battles, and she was blessed with a large loving extended family. As a young woman she developed a lifelong interest in genealogy and history. She especially loved books and reading, filling all the bookcases her home could hold. She was a member of P.E.O. and Daughters of the American Revolution. Travel, old movies, and friends and family, especially her nephew and niece and great-nieces, brought her much joy.
Mary Jane is survived by her sister, Ellen Hamilton and her husband Craig; nephew Paul Hamilton and his wife Samantha; niece Rachel Ranschaert and her husband Daniel Ranschaert; and their daughters Rose and Joy.
In lieu of flowers, a gift in honor of Mary Jane to her favorite causes or one of yours is appreciated, including:
- Cottey College, The Mabel E. Maxcy Scholarship, 1000 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada MO 64722
- Your favored literacy organization
A Celebration of Mary's life will be held at Hixson-Snider Funeral Home in DeQuincy, Louisiana on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Bro. David Free officiating. Visitation will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Services entrusted to Jordan and Amanda Mothershed of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsnider.com.
