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Sis. Mae Ella Harrison Barnes was born May 30, 1932, and departed this life Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. She was raised in Pine, and later moved to Franklinton. She was the daughter of the late Alex and Lenora Walker Harrison Sr. She was also the stepdaughter of the late Vanda Harrison. Sis. Barnes was married to the late Billy Ray Barnes, of which three children were born.

Sis. Mae Ella Barnes graduated from Washington Parish High School. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education at Southern University. She received additional specialized training at Southeastern University and there received her Master’s plus-Thirty.

Sis. Barnes gave her life to the Lord and joined Sweet Home Church, at an early age. She was very active in the church. She taught Sunday School and participated in the different choirs. She was a member of the Gospel Accents and the United Christian Women’s Ministry as well as a Deaconess. Sister Barnes was also the founder of the Singles Christian Ministry.

Sister Barnes started her career in education at the African-American school, Washington Elementary School, and then was one of the teaching pioneers who taught through the integration process at Franklinton Elementary where she ultimately retired. She taught adult education at the Franklinton Vocational Technical School, adult education at the WCI Prison, which is now Rayburn Correctional and the Veteran’s Upward Bound at Southeastern University as well as a Single Women’s program provided by the state.

Sister Barnes volunteered for different organizations. She worked with Habitat for Humanity and the road crew after Hurricane Katrina. She was a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and an integral part of a spouse abuse program.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Courtney L. Barnes of Dallas, Texas; two sons, Kirsten A. Barnes and Kelly L. Barnes of Franklinton; one sister, Ruby (James) Ballard of Franklinton; four sisters-in-law, Mona B. Anderson of Los Angeles, Calif., Brunhilde Magee of Boynton Beach, Fla., Louise Barnes of Franklinton, and Cornelia Brossette of Baton Rouge; one brother-in-law, Bobby Barnes of Seattle, Wash.; one grandson, Roman L. Warren of Franklinton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one stepmother; brothers, Alex Harrison Jr. and Robert Magee Jr.; as well as sisters, Annie Belle and Normie Lee Harrison.

A drive-through viewing will be held Friday, Aug. 19, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness, with Eld. Kevin Golden, pastor, officiating, and the Rev. Lionel Burkhalter, eulogist. Interment will be in Sweet Home Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.