Edna Barnes

Edna E. Barnes, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Edna Earl Barnes was born on August 17, 1934, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Eddie and Curtis Mary (Jefferson) Atkins. She was one of 12 children. Edna attended school and played basketball in Hattiesburg. In the ninth grade, she paused her education to care for her sister after an accident.

On February 11, 1952, Edna married Marshall Barnes in Toledo, Ohio. Marshall was a childhood neighbor. In 1963, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and in 2002, they relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, to live with their son.

Edna had a deep love for sewing, quilting, and studying the Bible with friends. She was known for her great generosity, always ready to help anyone in need and ensuring no one went hungry. With her green thumb, she could make anything flourish. Edna's fun-loving spirit made her a joy to be around, and she treasured sharing stories and spending time with her family and friends. Her unwavering faith and love for Jesus were the cornerstones of her life.

Edna is survived by her children: Brenda (Terry) Pittman of Indianapolis, IN; Anthony Bernard Barnes of Salt Lake City, UT; Darryl (Aimee) Barnes of Eagan, MN; and Lisa (Dashonda) Blackson of Salt Lake City, UT. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings: Rose, Carolyn, Bernard, and Cecil.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marshall "Bud" Barnes; her children, Marshall Barnes and Larry Darnell Barnes; and her siblings, Mattie, Marie, Ora Lee, Mary Louise, Robert, and Howard James.

A Memorial service for Edna will be held on Friday, November 15th at 10:00am in the Gathering Place (main chapel) at The Homestead at Rochester.