It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved, Mary Lois Barnett, at the tender age of 89. She leaves behind to cherish her memory , her husband, Ross Barnett Jr., to whom she married on August 4, 1956; five(5) children: Ginger Lois Barnett, Ross R. Barnett, III, Mary Judith Barnett, Jennifer Ann Barnett and David Benjamin Barnett; three (3) grandchildren: Robert Geoffrey Germany Jr., Winston L.R. Sykes, and Matilda Lois Velarde,; three (3) Great-Grandchildren: Greta Germany, Phipps Germany, and Sophia Sykes.

Mary Lois dedicated her life to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to her family daily. It was her life's work to serve the Lord and make sure her children knew of Him through service at the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. She wore many hats in this life, but she will forever be remembered as a wonderful wife, a loving mother, a great friend, taxi driver, school bus driver, cook, maid and for her passion of yard maintenance. Mary Lois believed that cultivating a beautiful yard pleased the Lord.

Mary Lois Barnett created a farm space on her land where school children from all over could come visit and enjoy the farm animals as much as she did for special occasions, especially Easter. Mary Lois would treat the children to juice and homemade cookies. She loved the children. She saw the children as a "Promise of Tomorrow". She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.