Annie Bell Barnes

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, God presented our beloved Annie Bell Barnes with a new body. She transitioned peacefully at the age of 108 surrounded by loved ones.

Mother Barnes was born in Howell, Ark. on Nov. 24, 1912 to the late Alfred and Sarah Pope Sawyer. She was the first of seven children. She was united in Holy Matrimony on March 10, 1934 to the late Walter B. Barnes the love of her life.

From this union 15 children were born: six boys and nine girls. Annie was a faithful and active member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bennie Washington. She served on the Mother's Board, Missionary Department, State District and was a member of the choir until she was unable to do so.

Mother Barnes loved God and she loved his people. She would say all the time “I love all my children". She was affectionately called "Big Momma" by many in the community, state and even the nation. Her hobbies included studying God’s word, working her word search puzzles, quilting and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings, and five children: Sarah, Walter Jr., Alfred, Edmond and Clethora. Left to cherish her memory are three sons, Andrew (Jeraldine) Barnes of Cleveland, OH, Joe L. (Ruth) Barnes of Las Vegas, NV, Rufus (Verbia) Barnes of Columbus, SC; seven daughters Dorothy Taylor, Annie Johnson, Ruth Mathis and Delois (Yves) Guy of Blytheville, AR, Bobbie (George) Robinson of Panama City, FL, Tina Washington, and Julia Stephens of Cleveland, OH, her longtime friend Laura Reaves, 55 grandchildren, all the way up to the sixth generation, a host of nieces, nephews, church family and many many friends.

The visitation will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at St. Paul M.B. Church in Blytheville. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. also at St. Paul M.B. Church in Blytheville, AR, with Rev. Bennie Washington officiating. The burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Blytheville. Services provided by Wilson Funeral Home Blytheville. Per the wishes of the Church masks are required unless health prevents it.