Obituary

Mae Ella Harrison Barnes

May 30, 1932 - August 12, 2022

Sis. Mae Ella Harrison Barnes was born May 30, 1932, and departed this life Friday, August 12, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones. She was raised in Pine, LA and later moved to Franklinton, LA. She was the daughter of the late Alex and Lenora Walker Harrison, Sr. She lost her mother as a child, but was later blessed with a stepmother, the late Vanda Watson 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 in 1951. She earned her Bachelors and Masters in Education at Southern University in Baton Rouge. She received additional specialized training at Southeastern University in Hammond, where she completed 30+ hours above her Masters requirement.

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, assisted students preparing for local Oratorical contests, and participated in the different gospel choirs. She was a member of the Gospel Accents and the United Christian Women’s Ministries, as well as a Deaconess. Sister Barnes was also the founder of the Single’s Christian Ministry.

She 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 across southeast Louisiana at the Franklinton Vocational Technical School, the WCI Prison, which is now Rayburn Correctional, the Veterans Upward Bound at Southeastern University, and also with a state sponsored program for Single Women. She tutored students into her 80s.

Sister Barnes helped many by volunteering for different organizations. She worked with Habitat for Humanity, and also worked with road crews after Hurricane Katrina. She was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and also served in an integral position with the Southeastern Spouse Abuse Program.

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

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; 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 Friday, August 19, 2022 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral service Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 1:00PM at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness with Eld. Kevin Golden – Pastor Officiating, Rev. Lionel Burkhalter – Eulogist. Interment – Sweet Home Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Franklinton in charge of arrangements.