Lynn Francis Bessonette-Barnett died peacefully at Neshoba County Hospital on Feb. 3, 2018, in Philadelphia at the age of 66.

Lynn is survived by her father, Frank Benci of Philadelphia (formally of Starkville); her husband, Robert Barnett of Philadelphia; her brother, Steve Benci of Metairie, La.; her children, James Bessonette of Salem, Ore., Matthew Bessonette and his wife, Leah of Needeville, Texas, Joseph Bessonette and his wife, Ashley and their three children of Decatur, Ill., Barry Barnett and his wife, Beth and their three children of Vicksburg, and Katherine Barnett of Smyrna, Ga.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Marie Benci (Cleveland) of Starkville.

Lynn was born on June 29, 1951, in Jackson to Frank and Marie Benci. She graduated from Hinds Community College with a degree in applied sciences (drafting).

She married Robert Barnett on Dec. 31, 2005, in Vicksburg. They both worked at the Corps of Engineers for many years, her in the permitting sector and was known in the office for her innovative thinking. Over the years, the couple welcomed the neighborhood children into their home and set about teaching them life skills that would stay with them forever. Her children remember her as a kind and gentle mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and to do the right thing.

Lynn was accomplished at a number of talents, including but not limited to, arts and craft, music, mothering, construction, problem solving, stained glass, pottery, gardening and was handy at any project she put her mind to. She was a generous and dedicated individual who never met a stranger, who was passionate about her hobbies, projects and spreading Jesus’s love. She was an active and dedicated member of the Spring Creek Baptist Church and considered herself blessed to be a part of the congregation and its surrounding community.

Her funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Spring Creek Baptist Church, with a reception to follow at the church. Rev. Stuart Purvis and Rev. Josh Meadows will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Lynn’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gideon’s Bible.