Gladys Barnes, 89, Marion, went to be with Jesus at 8:50 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Marion General Hospital. She was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Eunis and Eva Mae Whickum. She married William T. Barnes, Sr., in 1954, and he preceded her in death on February 3, 2005.
Gladys loved the outdoors and, in her younger years, enjoyed hunting squirrel and rabbit. She also loved to fish and work in her garden throughout her life, as well as watch television. Gladys was a self-employed hairdresser and previously worked at Long’s Cleaners and at Sinai Temple, where she was the custodian for 20-30 years. Even though Gladys wasn’t a member of a church, she was very much a Christian woman and her Bible was her church. Her family was extremely important to her, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughter, Leatha (Anthony) Melendez, Marion; son, William (Kaley) Barnes, Jr., Marion; and grandchildren, Christina (Robert) McCreary, William “Little Bit” Thomas (Brittney) Barnes, III, and Logan Barnes.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Early D. Whickum, and sister, Lovie Mae Turner.
Visitation is from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at Integrity Funeral Care, 2901 S. Washington St., Marion. Services begin at 1 p.m. with burial following at Grant Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.ifccares.com.