Mary Ann Barnett, born December 7th 1948 in Benton, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on April 7th 2025.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary Ann (Mimi) was proceeded in death by her husband John Wesley Barnett, mother Mary Alice Byars-Polley, father Don Byars, step-mom Velma Byars, sister Lola Byars, brother Richard Byars, brother Charles Byars, daughter-in-law, Christy Carol Barnett, aunt Lois Richey, and aunt Gracie Shaw.

She is survived by one aunt Adina Webb, two sons, Wesley Bryan Barnett (Teresa) and John Michael Barnett (Christy); six granddaughters Dallas Melhorn (Joey), Rachel McDaniel (Andrew), Kristyn Moseley (Dylan), Angela Warner, Ashley Barnett, and Mattie Barnett, and two great-grandchildren Josie and Waylon Melhorn.

Mary Ann was retired from Salem Fire Department as secretary for 20 years.  She was a faithful member of Forest Hill Missionary Baptist Church, having attended until she was no longer able.

Some of the fondest memories of Mimi were in the kitchen baking, from baking Christmas cookies with the grandkids, to making her famous chocolate fried pies for no special reason at all.  Mimi loved to spoil the grandkids and let them get away with whatever, like taking a bath in an ice chest on the back porch or playing ping pong at the fire department.  Mimi was a special person who put up with her husband, Wesley, for 60 years.

The family will miss her dearly but know she was welcomed in Heaven with open arms by God and Wesley!  We will see her again one day!

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Ashby Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 11 at Forest Hill Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Graham Cemetery.  Bro. Marcus Blakley will be officiating.