Margaret Bodron Barnes, 95, a lifelong resident of Vicksburg, went to her Lord Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at her home on Culkin Road. She was the daughter of John M.Black Sr. and Neva Holland Black of Vicksburg.

She was a 1943 graduate of Carr Central High School and on Sept. 25, 1945, she married her beloved husband of 47 years, Elmer B. Barnes.

Margaret was employed part-time in her father’s grocery business, Black’s Store, in the Culkin community; and also as a sales assistant at Lum’s Stockyard. Margaret was a charter/life member of Mercy Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and River Region Auxiliary, serving as president and gift shop chairman for nearly 40 years.

She was a member of Crawford Street Methodist Church serving as a kindergarten and Sunday elementary school teacher.

Margaret was a poll manager for the Election Commission for the Culkin voting precinct until her retirement.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Earl Bodron of Atlanta, Ga.; and her husband, Elmer B. Barnes.

he is survived by her daughter, Linda Milner and husband, John of Gulfport; her son, Robert Barnes and wife, Dawn of Vicksburg; a brother, John M. Black Jr. and wife, Virginia, all of Vicksburg; five grandchildren, Barbara Martin of Ocean Springs, Jeffrey Ward of Gulfport, Brock Barnes and wife, Lindsey, Drew Barnes and Allie Barnes, all of Vicksburg; six great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Pierce, D.J. Sylvia and Dr. Russell Barnes for their ongoing care and to Encompass Hospice and Home Instead for the loving and exceptional care they gave our mother. A special thanks to Ms. Janiece Ward who was with her as she passed to eternity, and to Ms. Debbie Caldwell, who was her friend and caretaker.  

Graveside services will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Brumfield of Immanuel Baptist Church officiating, under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Brock Barnes, Jeffrey Ward, Glen Kittrell, Larry Burroughs, Bill Monsour and Buddy McDonald. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Black, Billy Kittrell and Pete Buford.

Memorial donations may be made to Crawford Street Methodist Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, both of Vicksburg and Grace Memorial Baptist Church of Gulfport.